Background: Calotropis gigantea belongs to Apocynaceae, a large erect lactiferous shrub. Native to continental Asia and South East Asia and has been introduced in the pacific islands, Australia, Central and northern South America, South Africa, India, Srilanka, China, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia. People of Bihar and Orissa used leaves to treat chest diseases. People of Shevaroy hills, Tamil Nadu used shoots and seeds were used by people of Birbhum, West Bengal for chest pain.

Tribal communities used this plant to treat bronchial asthma, cholera, convulsions, pneumonia, toothache, ringworm and small pox infections, fever, rheumatism, leprosy, constipation, wounds. The phytochemical survey reported the presence of cardenolides, triterpenoids, anthocyanins and hydrocarbons. The plant exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiasthmatic, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, procoagulant, abortifacient, cytotoxic, insecticidal, ovicidal and antisolar activity. A study was undertaken to investigate vasodilatation, myocardial infarction and in vitro antioxidant effect of Calotropis gigantea.

Materials and methods: Leaves were collected from Mangalakudi village, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, in the month of February 2025. It was identified and authenticated by Dr. Stephen. The collected leaves were washed with water; shade dried, powdered and aqueous extract was prepared. The extract was concentrated and stored in container for further use.