Physico-chemical analysis of pure and impure Bhallataka

Abstract

Bhallataka, geeru beeja and marking nut is common Semecarpus anacardium. Washer men used this herb to mark clothes before washing. This versatile herb is used in ayurvedic system to cure various diseases by pacifying kapha dosha in human body. Bhallataka is mentioned under Upavisha group in Ayurvedic classics. All the parts are poisonous mostly seeds are hazardous to human due to its irritant property. By shodhan sanskara, Bhallataka has most beneficial effects. Fruit of Bhallataka is used either as a single drug or as an ingredient in many compound formulations of Indian systems of medicine to cure many diseases. Bhallataka grows throughout India in hot weather. Bhallataka used by externally and internally in both ways. Ashuddha (impure) Bhallataka containes oil in it which is removed after Shodhana process. It is observed that Shodhana (purification procedures) of the fruits should be carried out before its internal administration. There are different Shodhana methods mentioned in Ayurveda. This research paper deals with impact of Shodhana on Ashuddha (impure) Bhallataka and to compare the physico analytical parameters of Ashuddha (Impure) Bhallataka and Shuddha (Pure) Bhallataka.