EXPLORING MECHANISMOS OF ACTION AND THERAPEUTIC POTENCIAL OF Calotropis procera: A LITERATURA REVIEW

Abstract

Calotropis procera (CP) is a dairy plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family, popularly known in Brazil as “silk cotton”, “old man’s bag” or “quemadeira”. The present study was a narrative literature review with the objective of prospecting and grouping the medicinal and/or pharmacological applications described for CP latex and its possible mechanisms of action. The databases used were “PubMed”, “LILACS” and “Periódicos CAPES” and, after submission to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the suitable works were selected to compose the results and discussion of this review. Among the main pharmacological activities of CP latex found, anti-inflammatory (main), immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, anti-diarrheal, anti-nociceptive, anti-fungal and anti-diabetic activities stand out; the biochemical nature of the compounds as well as their main mechanisms of action were discussed. The potential of CP latex as a source of biologically active compounds is undeniable. It is necessary for other studies to be developed to elucidate mechanisms of action that are not yet understood, adverse events and safe dosages so that clinical trials can finally be progressed.