Abstract

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF BHALLATAK IN AGADTANTRA

*Dr. Madhura Vinay Fadanavis and Dr. Akshara Akash Patil

ABSTRACT

Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn) is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is called marking nut tree. Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn) is mentioned in the group of Sthavar Vanaspatika Visha in different Ayurvedic textbook’s also it is irritant organic vegetable poison. All the parts are poisonous mostly seeds are hazadous to human, due to its irritant property. The Bhallataka nut contain bhilwanol and semecarpal as toxic ingredient show some medicinal properties. By its hot potency it has some local action like Sphotjananam (Ushna-Virya In Ayurved system of medicine though it is poisonous plant & fruits of it is poisonous useful part but when used in purified form have been recommended for the treament of hemorrhoids, worm, irritable bowel disease, constipation, ascites, bronchitis, skin diseases etc. A number of Ayurvedic formulation includes this drug after the proper Shodhana (purification) as in judicious use of Asuddha (impure) Bhallataka may results in toxic effect like burning sensation of skin blister formation, ulcer and so on.Treatment of toxic effect of Bhallataka is described various texts of Ayurveda. Modern toxicology also describes manifestation, treatment, autopsy finding and medico legal aspect of Semecarpus anacardium linn.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Toxicology, Bhallataka, Semecarpus anacardium, Medico-legal.