Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Extract of Calotropis Procera Tree in Alkufra City

Abstract

Calotropis procera, Apocynaceae, belongs to the family Asdepiadaceae, It occurs in most parts of the tropical world, in dry sandy and alkaline soils, in waste land and grows abundantly as a weed [1], Calotropis gigantea is Worldwide known by various names such as swallowwort, dead-sea apple, sodom apple or milk weed. It has been widely used in the Sudanese, Unani, Arabic and Indian traditional medicinal system for the treatment of various diseases namely leprosy, ulcers, piles and diseases of the spleen, liver and abdomen [2]. Calotropis procera, a wild growing plant of family Asclepiadaceae, is well known for its medicinal properties. Different parts of this plant have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It is found in most parts of the world in dry, sandy and alkaline soils and warm climate and is more common in south western and central India and western Himalayas. It is found in waste lands and grows as a weed in agricultural lands. In ancient Ayurvedic medicines the plant Calotropis procera was known as “Rakta arka” [3]. Medicinally important parts of this plant are flower, terminal leaf pairs, root with root bark and latex. Out of that the most significant part which drew attention of researchers is latex because of its medicinal properties, economic use for cheese and rubber production. Latex contain majority of hydrocarbon contents have established this plant as a source of bio-energy. The plant also shows good antibacterial activity 3M, all parts of the plant exude white latex when cut or broken. The latex contains a range of toxic compounds. These toxins are believed to have a role in the plant’s defence against insects, mites and pathogens [4]. The latex has been reported to comprise chitinases, proteinases and anti-oxidative enzymes [5]. Calotropis species is used for the treatment of bronchitis, pain, asthma, leprosy, ulcers, piles, spleen, tumors, liver, abdomen and dyspepsia; it is also used frequently for cold, fever, diarrhea, rheumatism, indigestion, eczema and jaundice. Different parts of the plant were used for the treatment of several diseases such as stem for skin disease, intestinal worms, leprosy, leucoderma; the roots are used for the treatment of leprosy, asthma, cough, elephantiasis, rheumatism and diarrhea; latex and leaves are used for swelling and joint pain; oil massage can be used for paralyzed part; juice of Calotropis was used for purgation [6].