Calotropis

1- Scientific Name: Calotropis procera (Aiton) Aiton fil. Synonym: Asclepias procera Aiton English Names (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Calotropis, French Cotton, Prince-of-Wales crown, Roostertree, Sodom’s-milkweed, Sodom-apple, Apple-of-Sodom, Auricula-tree, Cabbagetree, Muddar 2- Scientific Name: Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton Synonym: Asclepias gigantea L. English Names (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Calotropis, Crown flower, Bowstring-hemp, Crownflower, Crownplant, Giant milkweed, Muddar Family: Apocynaceae

 

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Root, Stem, Leaf, Flower, Fruit, Seed and Sap
Cultivation mode: Wild collection
In manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, Textile, Tire industry, Shoemaking, Insecticide, Gloves making, Balloon making, Sport balls making, Paper making
In food: Its seeds powder is used as a spice

🌿 Industries That Use Calotropis Latex

(From Calotropis procera & Calotropis gigantea)

The milky white latex extracted from Calotropis species is a potent and multifaceted natural material used in traditional medicine, agrochemicals, biotech, and veterinary care. While both C. procera and C. gigantea yield latex, C. procera is more dominant in Middle Eastern, African, and Indian applications.

1. Traditional & Ethnomedicine Industry

Calotropis latex has long been used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Persian traditional medicine, although it is toxic and must be used cautiously.

Applications:

• Topical analgesic for joint pain and inflammation

• Caustic agent for skin tags, warts, and corns

• Used in digestive purgatives (highly diluted)

• Anti-parasitic and insecticidal in traditional remedies

✅ Often combined with castor oil, turmeric, or sulfur
⚠️ Note: Toxic if ingested or used improperly

2. Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Industry

Researchers explore Calotropis latex for its cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and pro-apoptotic effects.

Applications:

• Source of cardiac glycosides and proteolytic enzymes (calotropain)

• Studied for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial drug development

• Potential use in dermatological creams under controlled dosing

✅ Under active investigation in natural drug development

3. Biopesticide & Agrochemical Industry

Calotropis latex is used in organic farming and pest control due to its natural toxicity to pests.

Applications:

• Biopesticide for aphids, caterpillars, and beetles

• Latex extracts act as natural fungicide and larvicide

• Applied as biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture

✅ Alternative to chemical pesticides in organic fields

4. Veterinary & Ethnovet Industry

Traditionally used in rural animal care.

Applications:

• Wound dressing and hoof treatments

• Applied externally to treat maggot infestations

• Used with ash or turmeric for hoof rot and fungal infections

⚠️ External use only; internal use in animals is toxic

5. Industrial & Rubber Processing Industry

Because of its sticky, coagulating nature, latex is used in traditional adhesives and low-grade rubber formulations.

Applications:

• Added to traditional sealants and binding pastes

• Historically used as insulating material in some regions

• Studied as a biopolymer source in developing economies

6. Ethnobotanical & Cultural Uses

Calotropis latex plays a symbolic and functional role in some cultures.

Applications:

• Used in religious rituals in India and Iran

• Leaf and latex mixtures applied in folk healing and ritual medicine

• Featured in ritual tattooing and scarification practices

7. Scientific Research & Toxicology

Focus areas include:

• Cardenolide compounds for apoptosis induction

• Latex protein profiling for bioactivity and allergenicity

• Studies on toxicity management and nanoformulation potential

✅ Summary of Key Applications

⚠️ Key Notes & Features of Calotropis Latex

• ⚠️ Toxic in high doses — requires professional handling

• 🌿 Sourced from both C. procera (more common in Iran, Africa) and C. gigantea (Asia-Pacific)

• 💊 Contains cardiac glycosides, proteolytic enzymes, and alkaloids

• 🐛 Natural pest deterrent with proven effectiveness

• 🔬 Used in biomedical research for apoptosis and enzyme activity

🌿 Comparison Table: Calotropis procera vs Calotropis gigantea Latex

🧪 Summary Insights

• C. procera latex is more caustic, concentrated, and medicinally potent, but also more toxic.

• C. gigantea latex is gentler with wider use in cosmetic, spiritual, and topical remedies across Asia.

• Both are milky latex-producing perennials, rich in cardiac glycosides, proteolytic enzymes, and bioactive alkaloids, yet differ significantly in geography, chemistry, and handling risks.

🌸 Industries That Use Dried Calotropis Flowers

(From Calotropis procera & Calotropis gigantea)

Calotropis flowers—once considered spiritually sacred and medicinal—are now gaining recognition in traditional healing, natural dyeing, ethnopharmacology, and agriculture.

1. Traditional Medicine & Ethnobotany

Calotropis flowers have deep roots in traditional Indian, Persian, and African healing systems.

Applications:

• Used in Ayurvedic and Unani formulations as a digestive stimulant and expectorant

• Incorporated in poultices for swelling and joint pain

• Sometimes powdered and combined with ginger or pepper for fever, cough, and bronchitis

• Flowers soaked in oils for nervous system tonics

✅ Common forms: sun-dried petals, powdered flowers, herbal boluses
⚠️ Mild toxicity requires caution in preparation and dosage

2. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Research

Calotropis flowers are under research for their polyphenol and flavonoid-rich profiles.

Potential bioactivities:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

• Antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria

• Source of alkaloids and cardiac glycosides (though weaker than latex)

✅ Being studied as part of plant-based therapeutic compounds

3. Herbal & Wellness Tea Industry (Emerging Use)

Though not mainstream, some regional blends incorporate dried Calotropis flowers:

• In detox teas blended with Turmeric or Fennel

• In bronchial teas with Licorice or Ajwain

• Used in folk energizing tonics (with proper detoxification processing)

⚠️ Must be thoroughly detoxified or processed before oral use

4. Agricultural & Natural Pest Control

Calotropis flower extracts are used as:

• Biopesticides—flower powders are sprinkled over stored grains

• Larvicidal additives in natural farm sprays

• Pollination decoys in traditional orchard management

✅ Acts as a pest repellent in organic farms and grain storage

5. Natural Dyes & Crafts Industry

Petals of Calotropis, particularly from C. gigantea, yield a soft yellow to olive color in traditional dyeing.

Applications:

• Used to dye cotton, silk, and wool naturally

• Mixed with mordants like alum for better fixation

• Popular in eco-printing and artisanal textiles

✅ Eco-friendly dye option in handmade textiles

6. Cultural & Spiritual Use

Calotropis flowers are symbolically sacred in many Eastern traditions:

• Offered in Hindu and Zoroastrian rituals

• Used in garlands and ceremonial wear

• Dried flowers may be crushed and placed in ritual sachets or incense blends

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Key Features of Calotropis Dried Flowers

• 🌸 Collected at maturity, sun-dried, and stored in cool/dry conditions

• 💠 Rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and mucilaginous compounds

• ⚠️ Mildly toxic—only used in professional herbal formulations

• 🧪 Subject of emerging pharmacological research

• 🌍 Traditionally valued in India, Iran, Nepal, and East Africa

🌿 Industries That Use Calotropis Leaves

(From Calotropis procera & Calotropis gigantea)

The large, thick, and slightly woolly leaves of Calotropis species are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. They have been widely used in ethnomedicine, biopesticides, veterinary care, and phytochemical research.

1. Traditional & Ethnomedicine Industry

Calotropis leaves have a long history in traditional Persian, Indian (Ayurveda), and African medicine.

Applications:

• Topical poultices for joint pain, sciatica, and rheumatism

• Warm compresses for chest congestion and bronchitis

• Leaf juice mixed with honey or ginger for cough relief (highly diluted)

• Used in detox foot baths and herbal plasters

✅ Forms: fresh or dried leaves, warm compresses, decoctions
⚠️ Toxic internally if improperly processed or overdosed

2. Veterinary & Ethnoveterinary Medicine

In traditional animal care systems, Calotropis leaves are used for:

• Wound dressing in cattle and sheep

• Anti-parasitic wraps for skin infections

• Anti-bloat remedies when powdered and mixed with salt and herbs

✅ Popular in rural veterinary kits across India, Iran, and Africa

3. Biopesticide & Organic Farming Industry

Due to its bitterness and natural toxicity, Calotropis leaf extract is used as:

• Insect repellent spray for grains and crops

• Larvicide and anti-fungal agent in natural agriculture

• Organic foliar spray for protecting young plants from pests

✅ Safe alternative to synthetic pesticides when properly diluted

4. Pharmaceutical & Biochemical Research

The leaves are rich in:

• Flavonoids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides

• Compounds like uscharin and calotropin with proven bioactivity

Studied for:

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects

• Topical antimicrobial creams and herbal bandages

✅ Early-stage development in natural drug research

5. Textile & Natural Dye Industry

Leaves of Calotropis gigantea can be processed into gray-green to tan fabric dyes when used with natural mordants.

Applications:

• Eco-printing on cotton and handmade fabrics

• Experimental use in bio-based textile design

✅ Sustainable resource for slow-fashion and artisan textiles

6. Spiritual & Ritual Use

Used in cultural and religious settings:

• Placed under pillows for symbolic protection in folk beliefs

• Burned in ritual smoke cleansing (fumigation)

✅ Especially prominent in Indian subcontinental folk traditions

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Key Features of Calotropis Leaves

• 🌱 Thick, oblong, green-gray leaves with a waxy or velvety texture

• 💊 Contains flavonoids, cardenolides, triterpenoids, and tannins

• 🐄 Safe for external animal care, but internally toxic to humans unless processed

• 🛡️ Known for anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, insect-repellent properties

• 🌾 Sustainable option in eco-agriculture and ethnoveterinary systems

🌿 Industries That Use Calotropis Root

(From Calotropis procera & Calotropis gigantea)

Calotropis root is considered the most potent part of the plant in many healing systems. It contains strong bioactive compounds, including cardiac glycosides and alkaloids, and is used in pharmaceutical, traditional, and veterinary industries.

1. Traditional & Ayurvedic Medicine Industry

In Ayurveda, Unani, and Persian medicine, Calotropis root is used with extreme care due to its intense potency.

Applications:

• Anti-rheumatic formulations (decoctions, dried root powders)

• Digestive bitters for constipation and bloating (minimal dosages only)

• Asthma and bronchial support (in decoction form)

• Root bark paste applied for skin infections and snake bites

✅ Used only after drying and detoxification
⚠️ Must be professionally processed—toxic when fresh or overdosed

2. Pharmaceutical & Phytochemical Research

Calotropis root is under study for its:

• Cytotoxic effects (anti-cancer potential)

• Cardiotonic activity (similar to digitalis compounds)

• Antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects

Key constituents:

• Calotropin

• Uscharin

• Calotoxin

• β-amyrin acetate

✅ Focus of bioactive compound isolation and pharmacognosy studies

3. Veterinary & Ethnoveterinary Applications

In traditional animal care:

• Dried root powder mixed with salt is used to treat intestinal worms

• Paste of root bark applied for hoof infections and skin parasites

• Rarely used in digestive tonics for livestock in very low concentrations

✅ Still used in remote regions of Iran, India, and Africa

4. Insecticide & Organic Agriculture Industry

The powdered root or boiled extract is used as:

• Pest repellent for grains

• Natural larvicide for mosquito control

• Soil treatment for fungal infections

✅ Popular in eco-agriculture and grain storage facilities

5. Ritual & Cultural Use

Calotropis roots—especially the forked ones—are symbolically powerful.

• Considered sacred in Hindu and Zoroastrian rituals

• Burned or buried as a spiritual talisman

• Planted at borders of farms for protection from evil or pestilence

✅ Roots collected during specific moon phases in folk practices

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Key Features of Calotropis Root

• 🧪 Rich in calotropin, uscharin, cardenolides, and terpenoids

• 🌿 Harvested after full growth phase, air-dried and detoxified

• ⚠️ Toxic when fresh – professional processing is essential

• 🐄 Used in traditional ethnoveterinary practices in Iran, India, and Africa

• 🌍 Holds significance in cultural, medicinal, and agro-industrial sectors

🌿 Comparison of Calotropis Parts: Latex vs Flower vs Leaves vs Root

✅ Summary Highlights

• Latex = Most potent, used externally with high caution.

• Flowers = Safest part, used for teas, calming baths, and rituals.

• Leaves = Highly functional across farming, veterinary, and topical remedies.

• Root = Most pharmacologically complex, used in traditional medicine and biotech research.

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: اِستَبرَق، عُشر/ Estabragh, Oshr German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Oscherstrauch, Kronenblume French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Pommier de Sodome, Mudar

HARVEST CALENDAR