CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON THE AYURVEDIC REVIEW ON BHALLATAKA VISHA AND ITS CHIKITSA

Vd. Somnath Pawar*, Vd. Sagar Narode and Vd. Amrapali Pati

ABSTRACT

Classification of poison is based on criteria like origin, base, properties and potency. the poisons into two categories as Mahavisha and Upavisha based on its toxicity. In Ayurveda Upavisha are the group of toxic drugs, which are less toxic in nature and not so lethal but produce certain toxic symptoms on consumption or administration. Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) is mentioned in Upavisha Varga in Ayurvedic texts. It is a common drug indicated therapeutically for the management of various disease like Arsha (Piles), Kushtha (Skin disease), Udara (Ascitis), Jwara (fever), Krimi (Worm infestation) etc. Number of Ayurvedic formulations includes this drug after its proper shodhana samskara (Purification process) as injudicious use of Ashuddha (impure) Bhallataka may results in toxic effects like burning sensation of skin, blister formation, ulcer and so on. Treatment of toxic effects of Bhallataka is described in various texts of Ayurveda. This review article includes overall information about the plant Bhallatka its botanical description toxicological aspect, treatment, medico legal aspect of Bhallataka in Ayurveda and modern toxicology.

Keywords: Bhallatak, Upavisha, Toxicology, Shodhan.