Preliminary pharmaceutico - analytical analysis and FTIR evaluation of Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) before and after purification using Narikela jala (Coconut water) as shodana media

Abstract

Bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium Linn), commonly known as Indian marking nut, is a poisonous plant that is therapeutically used after proper shodhana (purification) in Ayurveda, an Indian system of medicine. Therapeutically, it is used extensively in the management of many diseases like Arshas (piles), Arbuda (cancer), etc. According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (India), 1940, it is mentioned in Schedule E-1 drugs (Poisonous drugs). The fruits of bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium Linn) have their own poisonous property, and the oily fraction in the pericarp of the fruit is responsible for the toxic nature of the drug. Therefore, it should be used therapeutically only after proper shodhana (purification); as injudicious use of ashuddha (impure) bhallataka may result in toxic effects. It is hazardous to humans due to its irritant property, causing symptoms like burning sensation of the skin, blister formation, ulcer, and so on.

Various shodhana (purification) methods are mentioned in the Ayurvedic literature. Bhallataka shodana was done as per the reference, and preliminary analytical study, phytochemical evaluation, and FTIR analysis were conducted to understand the impact of shodhana (purification) on bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium Linn). These obtained pharmaceutical standards can be taken as a reference for further research to know the impact of shodhana on ashuddha (impure) bhallataka and to compare the physicochemical parameters of ashuddha (impure) bhallataka and shuddha (pure) bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium Linn).