Potential of Calotropis procera (Aiton) WT in Phytoremediation and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Phytoremediation emerges as a sustainable and effective approach for the recovery of degraded areas, offering a natural solution for the remediation of organic and inorganic pollutants from various anthropogenic activities. Calotropis procera (Aiton) WT, a perennial species adapted to arid conditions in Africa and Asia, as well as in the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil, stands out for its remarkable potential in phytoremediation, especially in halophilic and contaminated soils. This integrative review article investigated the capabilities of this species in the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals, such as chromium and arsenic, demonstrating its viability in the restoration of degraded ecosystems. In addition to its ecological role, C. procera exhibits promising pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this context, this review article not only explores the plant's environmental applications but also discusses its potential therapeutic uses, highlighting C. procera as a species of interest to both environmental science and pharmacology. The integration of these two areas underscores the importance of future research to fully explore the multifaceted potential of this plant in mitigating environmental issues and driving therapeutic innovation.