A Review on Calotropis gigantean (Wara): A Miracle Plant

Calotropis gigantea (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial herb used as a traditional medicine. This is an important plant however, presently under the threat of extinction. While the entire plant is used for skin diseases, powdered root bark able to cure elephantiasis, dysentery and leprosy. The stem bark is important for gastrointestinal and respiratory track diseases including dysentery, spleen complaints, ringworm and pneumonia. The toothache, caries, leprosy, stings, syphilis, rheumatism and tumors were treated using latex of the plant. Powdered flowers have therapeutic value for coughs, colds, and asthma. The leaf extraction has potential to heal burns and relief headaches, rheumatic pains. Mosquito repellent efficacy of flower extracts was already published. In addition, because of the massive forest destruction, it has been included in the Red Data Book of IUCN. This paper will discuss the significance of this species and the medicinal value to convince the importance of conservation by reintroducing regenerated plants into their natural habitats.