Calotropis procera (family: Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial shrub widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Traditionally, it has been recognized for its medicinal and ethnobotanical importance. Various parts of the plant including leaves, flowers, roots, and latex have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems to treat ailments such as fever, inflammation, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and skin infections [1,2]. Its adaptability to arid environments and ease of cultivation further contribute to its widespread use as a therapeutic plant.

The pharmacological relevance of C. procera stems from its diverse chemical composition. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of multiple bioactive constituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds in different plant parts [3,4]. These compounds are associated with various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, and wound-healing effects. Notably, the latex of C. procera contains cardiac glycosides and proteolytic enzymes, which have been reported to exert cytotoxic effects against cancer cells and contribute to tissue repair [5].

Several experimental studies have explored the pharmacological activities of C. procera. Leaf extracts have shown significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, while latex has demonstrated potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties [6,7]. Roots and flowers are rich in flavonoids and triterpenoids, which enhance antioxidant potential and support cardiovascular health [8]. These findings support the traditional use of the plant and indicate its potential for further drug development.

Despite the extensive traditional use and emerging pharmacological evidence, there remains a need for a comprehensive review linking the phytochemical composition of C. procera with its biological activities. Integrating ethnobotanical knowledge with modern pharmacological research can provide valuable insights for drug discovery, standardization of plant extracts, and the development of novel therapeutic agents. This study aims to consolidate current knowledge on the chemical constituents and pharmacological potential of C. procera, highlighting its significance as a promising medicinal plant for modern medicine.  

2. Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Keywords used were: “Calotropis procera,” “phytochemistry,” “pharmacology,” “anticancer,” “anti-inflammatory,” “antimicrobial,” and “cardioprotective.” Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and ethnobotanical reports published from 1990 to 2021 were included. Data regarding phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity, and toxicological studies were extracted and compiled.

3. Results

3.1 Phytochemical Constituents

Various studies report that C. procera contains bioactive compounds in different plant parts. Table 1 summarizes the major phytochemicals identified in leaves, latex, roots, and flowers.

Table 1: Phytochemical constituents of Calotropis procera (leaves, latex, root, flowers)

3.2 Pharmacological Activities

3.2.1 Anti-inflammatory Activity

Leaf and root extracts demonstrate significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and COX enzymes in animal models [3,6]. Latex also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

3.2.2 Antioxidant Activity

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds from leaves, flowers, and latex scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo [4,7].

3.2.3 Antimicrobial Activity

Methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves, latex, and flowers show activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans [5,8].

3.2.4 Anticancer Activity

Cardiac glycosides and triterpenoids from latex and roots induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and cause cell cycle arrest in breast, liver, and lung cancer cell lines [6,9,10].

3.2.5 Cardioprotective Activity

Leaf extracts exert cardioprotective effects by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defense, potentially preventing myocardial injury [11].

3.2.6 Wound Healing

Topical application of latex accelerates wound closure and epithelialization, attributed to its proteolytic enzymes and flavonoid content [12].

4. Discussion

The pharmacological activities of Calotropis procera can be directly linked to its phytochemical profile. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are primarily due to flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids, which modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways [4,6]. Cardiac glycosides in latex and roots have demonstrated cytotoxicity against cancer cells while maintaining cardiovascular safety at therapeutic doses [6,9].

Antimicrobial effects are supported by multiple studies where leaf and latex extracts inhibited bacterial and fungal growth [5,8]. These results align with traditional uses of the plant in treating infections and skin disorders. However, toxicity is a concern, particularly with latex and root extracts, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiotoxicity at high doses [2,12].

Compared to other medicinal plants, C. procera exhibits a unique combination of bioactive compounds capable of acting on multiple pharmacological targets. This multi-target profile is advantageous for developing novel therapeutics for complex diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, and cardiovascular complications. Future research should prioritize isolation of active constituents, elucidation of precise molecular mechanisms, and clinical evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy.

5. Conclusion

Calotropis procera is a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, and wound-healing effects. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological studies highlights its potential in drug discovery. Further clinical and mechanistic studies are essential to develop standardized formulations for therapeutic applications.

Conflict of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments: None

Funding source: No funding

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