THERAPEUTIC AND TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECT OF BHALLATKA (SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM LINN.) – A REVIEW

Abstract

Bhallataka (Semicarpus Anacardum) is known vegetable irritant poison and is mentioned in Upavisha Varga in Ayurveda texts like Rasatarangini and Dhanwantari Nighantu. Semicarpus Anacardum is a member of Anacardiaceae plant family. I juice of Bhallataka (even in traces) comes in contact with body, produces severe Daha (Burning), Vrana (Ulcer), etc. Despite being a toxic plant Ayurveda has recommended using its fruits and other beneficial portions for the treatment of number of diseases like Haemorroids, worms, Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, ascites, bronchitis, skin disorders, acute rheumatism, etc. In this review, an endeavor has been made to explore the therapeutic utilities of Bhallataka and its poisoning effects as mentioned in Ayurveda and modern science.