Arka : The Fine Line Between Medicine and Poison in Ayurveda

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 Arka : The Fine Line Between Medicine and Poison in Ayurveda

Arka

Category: Agadtantra (Toxicology)

Bams 2 nd year

In the world of Ayurveda, there is a fascinating category of plants known as Upavisha—vegetative poisons that, when processed correctly, transform into potent medicines. One of the most prominent among these is Arka, known scientifically as Calotropis procera.


ARKA

Latin Name: Calotropis procera

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Species of Arka:

 a) Shweta Arka – Calotropis procera.

 b) Rakta Arka - Calotropis gigantea.

Vernacular Names

  •  Sanskrit: Arka, Ksheerpana, Tula-phala, Vikiran.
  •  Marathi: Rui, Shwetpushpa, Aasphot, Ksheerkand, Vasu, Pratijvas.
  •  English: Madar
  •  Hindi: Madar, Aak, Aakada, Aakvan

  • Arka

CLASSIFICATION

A) According to Ayurveda:

 Sthavara- Vegetative poison

 Upavisha

B) According to Modern:

 Irritant Organic Vegetable Poison

PROPERTIES

  1.  Rasa: Katu
  2.  Guna: Laghu
  3.  Vipak: Katu
  4.  Veerya: Ushna
  5.  Prabhava: Charmarogahar

  •  Upatisthana: In all over India especially in dry land

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DRUG

  •  Fatal Period: About 12 hours.
  •  Fatal Dose:
  •    Ksheer: 2-3 ml
  •    Twak-mool churna: 3-6 gm
  •   Active Principle: Calotropin, Calotoxin, Uscharin, Gigantin
  •  Mechanism of Action: Active principles act as local, gastrointestinal & cardio-suppressant poisons.

Physical Characteristics:

  •  It is a shrub of 1 to 2 meter height
  •  Leaves: 10 to 15 cm in length & 2.5 to 7 cm in breadth.
  •  Stem: Strong & tough
  •  Latex: Milky acrid juice comes out. This is acidic in nature
  •  Fruit: When fruit dries, a soft cotton comes out attached to its seeds.
  •  Seeds: Small & black in colour.
  •  Toxic Part: All parts of plant are toxic, especially latex

Signs & Symptoms

  • External Action:

  1.  If milk or juice of Calotropis is applied on the skin, it becomes reddish and vesicles are formed.
  2.  If this milk comes in contact with eyes, it causes severe conjunctivitis, which may lead to loss of vision.

  • Internal Action:

  1.  If this milk is ingested, it produces toxic effect on gastrointestinal tract and spinal cord.
  2.  It produces symptoms like: Burning pain in mouth, throat and stomach, Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Dilated pupils.
  3. Tetanic convulsions
  4.  Death may occur in ½ to 8 hours.


METHOD OF SHODHANA

 Arka kshira is triturated with chinchaapathra swarasa. Root of arka is immersed in cold water for 3 days then dried under sun and can be used.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

A) According to Ayurved:

 Traditional remedies are suggested, including the use of Butea monosperma (Palaash) as a potential antidote.

 Decoctions and pastes made from this plant are mentioned for external and internal use.

 Another treatment involves a combination of Gokshur churna, Gud, and water.

 For eye exposure, washing with saline water and applying rose water is suggested.

B) According to Modern:

 Modern medical treatment involves washing affected skin with soap and flushing eyes with saline water.

 INTERNALLY:

  a) Stomach washing with warm water or potassium permangante solution is recommended.

 b) Use of Demulcents.

 c) Inj. Morphine 10 mg IM for pain relieving.

 d) Use of stimulant drugs

 e) Give symptomatic treatment.

POSTMORTEM APPEARANCE

Dilated pupils, froth at nostrils, stomatitis & acute inflammation of alimentary canal.

MEDICO LEGAL IMPORTANCE

  •  Infanticide.
  •  Abortion.
  •  Cattle poisoning.
  •  Arrow poison.

CHIKITSIYA YOG (FORMULATIONS)

  •  Mahavish garbha taila
  •  Dhanvantar ghrut



Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Arka is a toxic plant and should never be used or handled without expert medical supervision.

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