The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(2):181-191 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15209

Review Article

Calotropis procera: from ethnomedicine to modern therapeutics- phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and patent perspectives

Ravindra G. Mali¹ , Kalpesh Yeole² , Chaitali Pardeshi² , Raju Wadekar³

Ravindra G. Mali,Kalpesh Yeole,Chaitali Pardeshi,Raju Wadekar

1. Shree Swaminarayan Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Kalol, Gandhinagar - 382725, Gujarat, India
2. Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM NMIMS Global University, Dhule - 424001, Maharashtra, India
3. Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM NMIMS Global University, Dhule - 424001, Maharashtra, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 9th December, 2025 / Accepted: 21st March, 2026 / Published : 27th April, 2026

Abstract

C. procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton is a widely distributed xerophytic medicinal shrub inhabiting arid and semi-arid parts of Asia and Africa, and is widely used in indigenous systems of medicine to manage several pathological conditions. This review consolidates the available literature in relation to its ethnobotanical significance, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities in an endeavour to facilitate future scientific investigation. Ethnomedicinal reports describe its utilisation for the management of a vast array of conditions, including inflammation, diseases of the skin, respiratory tract and digestive system, as well as infestation by different kinds of parasites across diverse ethnic systems. Chromatographic analysis shows the presence of biologically active compounds like cardenolides (calotropin, uscharin, etc.), flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, etc., which attribute its biological properties. Pharmacological activities evaluated so far, both in vitro and in vivo, have proved significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and antiparasitic as well as anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective actions which occur through different pathways such as inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, alleviation of oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis, etc. But toxic cardiac glycosides present in it make strict dose standardization a prerequisite. Clinical trials remain lacking, though enough pre-clinical evidence is available; therefore, further research work with standardised materials of C. procera, safety evaluation and clinical trials will be fruitful. It may prove to be an important source for drug discovery in phytomedicine.