Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine (Jun 2024)
An overview on the phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Calotropis procera
Abstract
Introduction: Various natural phytomedicines originating from Chinese herbs exhibit numerous pharmacological activities. Calotropis procera (CP), communally known as Aak, is a xerophytic perennial shrub in the Apocynaceae family that is found in China. Phytoconstituents of this plant have been used to treat several illnesses including colds, asthma, arthritis, diarrhea, and skin disorders in China and other parts of Asia for a very long time. Apart from these, active constituents of CP also exhibit notable antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Still, there is a gap between the preclinical and clinical significance of this plant. Thus, the present study has been designed to summarize numerous phytochemical, therapeutic, and pharmacological properties of CP in numerous disorders based on preclinical evidence which will provide a relevant basis for the researcher to investigate its efficacy in clinical studies. Methods: The current research looks at the literature from 2003 to 2023. Electronic search platforms/media PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus database were used to gather the relevant reports related to this study using keywords such as “Herbal Chinese Medicine”, “Phytoconstituent”, “Therapeutic uses”, “Medicinal uses”, “Antimicrobial activity”, “Antifungal activity”, “Anti-inflammatory activity”, “Antioxidant activity”, “Neuroprotective activity”, “Anti-diabetic activity”, “Cardiac activity”, and “Anti-cancer activity” paired with “Calotropis procera”. Results: Based on available research reports, the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of CP are collected and summarized. CP contains numerous phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, volatile oils, esters, and many more which are responsible for the majority of the pharmacological actions including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effect and anti-ulcer effects. Discussion: The current study provides primary data for future research. In-vivo and in-vitro studies were used to make the biosynthetic observation for its numerous ethnopharmacological applications and even pharmacological qualities. This evaluation will give the knowledge required to undertake essential pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies on human models to ensure the effects of active ingredients in the body and confirm their safety problems in clinical settings.
