Abstract

A REVIEW OF BHALLATAKA (SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM) AS PER AYURVED AND MODERN SCIENCE

*Dr. Priti Ramesh Udgave and Dr. Priyanka Shamrao Hanmane

ABSTRACT

Bhallatak is black, heart shaped nut like fruit.it has a thick, cellular pericarp and extensively used to prepare many ayurvedic formulations (kalpa) to heal differential disorders such as Ascites, various types of worm infestation, constipation, piles, skin problems, sciatica, epilepsy; facial paralysis etc.it is a good appetizer & used to improve digestion. But when used without shodhan (purification) it produces many more toxic effects to the body.It is well described according to ancient as well as contemporary toxicology. It is used by washer man to mark clothes so called as marking nut. In Charakasamhitaone of the cause of Agantujashotha(exogenous swelling) is contact of fruits or flowers of Bhallataka with body.As described in Ayurvedic texts various pastes like application of goat milk, seasamum, butter or Mixture of Amaranthusspinosa leaves juice and butter can be applied for local manifestation. Various local applications are suggested by Ayurveda in different texts. It can be used in treatment.

Keywords: Bhallatak, Agantujshoth, marking nut.