European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

REVIEW OF BHALLATAKA AND ITS TOXICITY

Dr. Prashant Singh Bhadauria*, Dr. Nagendra Thakre and Dr. Prafulla

ABSTRACT

Semecarpus anacardium Linn.(Family: Anacardiaceae), commonly known “Bhallataka” or “Bhilwa” is a plant well-known for its medicinal value in ayurvedic and siddha system of medicine, It is also popularaly used in tribal and rural areas of india for the treatment of various disorders and gaining immunity. It is mentioned in Upavisha Varga in Ayurvedic texts. It is also used for non medicinal purpose like marking of cloth, hair dye etc. since ancient time. It has lots of medicinal property due to various chemical compounds, which are present in it, like bhilawanol, biflavonoids etc. It is known as Rasayana and reported in ancient literature that indiscriminate use of nut oil cause ill effects on skin and eyes. It is common drug indicated therapeutically for the management of various disease like Kustha, Arsha, Udara, Jwara etc. Number of Ayurvedic formulations includes this drug after its proper Shodhana as injudicious use of Asuddha Bhallataka may result in toxic effects like burning sensation of skin, blisters, ulcers etc. The present review deals with the description, chemical composition, Toxicological aspect of Bhallataka.

Keywords: Semecarpus Anacardium, Bhallataka, Rasayana, Upavisha etc.