Biopesticidal Potential of Calotropis procera: A Green Chemistry Approach to Sustainable Pest Management

Background:Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (family Apocynaceae, syn. Asclepiadaceae), commonly known as Sodom apple, Ushar, or Aak, is a xerophytic shrub widely distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia that contains a rich reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites with broad pest-control properties. Objectives: This chapter aimed to compile and critically synthesise the phytochemical, chemical-evaluation, and bioassay literature onC. procera as a green-chemistry-compliant biopesticide. Materials and Methods: Published literature was critically synthesised to evaluate phytochemical constituents, tabulate statistical bioactivity data (LC50, LD50​, percentage mortality, and inhibition zones) across multiple pest models, illustrate the Na+/K+Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition mechanism of toxicity, and review green-synthesised nanoparticle formulations (Ag, CuO, Fe3​O4​) capped withC. procera phytochemicals. Results: Secondary metabolites-including cardenolides (calotropin, calotoxin, calactin, uscharin, uscharidin), flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, and proteolytic enzymes-confer potent insecticidal, larvicidal, ovicidal, nematicidal, molluscicidal, and antifungal properties mediated by Na+/K+Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition. Furthermore, green-synthesised Ag, CuO, and Fe3O4​ nanoparticle formulations capped with plant phytochemicals serve as effective, next-generation eco-friendly pest-control agents. Conclusion: The compiled findings positionC. procera as a scientifically validated candidate for application in sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes.