Analytical study to evaluate the effect of different shodhana methods on bhallataka

Abstract

Background: Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn; Anacardiaceae) fruit is one of the upavisha dravya (semi poisonous drugs). Its importance and utility is increasing day by day because of its therapeutic significance in many diseases including cancer. Though the fruits of Bhallataka have many therapeutic values, pharmacies are scared to use this drug because of its irritant vesicating nature. The fruit contains tarry oil which causes contact dermatitis. Medically it is named as Urushiol Induced Contact Dermatitis because the chemical Urushiol is responsible for the dermatitis. If this vesicant nature is removed, the drug could be a good source for pharmaceutical industries in manufacturing many formulations containing Bhallataka as an ingredient. PLAN OF STUDY: The present study was planned in the following sections:  Conceptual study  Pharmacognostical study  Pharmaceutical study  Analytical study The detailed morphological study, macroscopy of Bhallataka (Semecarpus Anacardium Linn.) for its identification and authentification is carried out. Details of the shodhana processes of Bhallataka by various methods in different batches along with pharmaceutical observations like duration, specific findings, and yield obtained after the process etc will be recorded. Along with this, the detailed analytical study of different media used for shodhana is recorded. ABSTRACT Analytical study to evaluate the effects of different shodhana methods on Bhallataka Performing shodhana of bhallataka by these three methods respectively, and by seeing the results of analysis of raw bhallataka and shodhita bhallataka of three different methods; it can be clearly seen that there is difference in the results of these three shodhana methods. The oil content is found in Ishtika churna (brick powder) after the process of shodhana, while solid contents of liquid media increase. That may be because of removal of toxic oily impurities from bhallataka fruits and they may be getting into the media used for shodhana. By comparing the results of analysis of these three methods, it can be concluded that removal of oil content; which is proportional to decrease of toxicity and increase of efficacy and safety; is seen more is the “Rasamrutam First Shodhana Method” than that of “Rasa Tarangini First and Second Shodhana Methods” So, it can be better to use Rasamrutam Shodhana Method for Bhallataka Shodhana; which consists of more steps and complex processes.