In Vivo Anti-Cancer Study of Arka Kshara: A Traditional Upavisha Arka Formulation against Colon Carcinoma in Wistar Rats

Background:Arka Kshara is an Ayurvedic formulation derived from Calotropis procera (Arka), classified under Upavisha. Traditionally used for various gastrointestinal disorders, its anticancer potential has recently gained attention. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer efficacy of Arka Kshara against 1,2- Dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in Wistar rats. Methods: The study involved five groups of rats: normal control, disease control, standard drug (5- Fluorouracil), and two test groups receiving different doses of Arka Kshara. Observational parameters included body weight, haematological and biochemical profiles, colon weight and length, crypt foci count, and histopathological evaluation. Results:Arka Kshara demonstrated significant reduction in Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF), improvement in haematological parameters, and protective histological changes in the colon tissue compared to the diseasecontrol group. Conclusion:Arka Kshara shows promising anticancer activity and may serve as a potential herbal chemo preventive agent for colon cancer.