A Review on Bhallataka (Semecarpus Anacardium Linn.) and Exploring its Twachya Karma

Introduction

Skin diseases are the fourth most common cause of all human diseases, affecting almost one-third of the world’s population, and contribute to 1.79% of the total burden of diseases.¹ In Ayurvedic literatures, all the skin diseases are expounded under the broad section of ‘Kushta’. ‘Kushnati Vapu Iti Kushtam’, ‘that which effects the body and disfigures it’ is called Kushta. Though it manifests in the Twak, it involves Sapta dravya viz., Tridosha, Twak, Rakta, Mamsa and Ambu. Kushtaghna are those Dravya which cures Kushta i.e. ‘Kushtam Hanti Iti Kushtaghnam’. Twachya are the drugs which aids the skin health. One such drug is Bhallataka, Sthavara Visha Dravya which is grouped under Upavisha.²⁰ It is used by the dhobis for marking the clothes; hence the name ‘marking nut’. It is an organic irritant vegetable poison known for its dermatitis induced on contact. In Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicines, it is extensively used for therapeutic purpose after subjecting the drug to Shodhana Samskara. Semecarpus anacardium Linn. contains a variety of biologically active compounds such as biflavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids etc. and it is proven that this drug has various therapeutic benefits such as antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tuberculous, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, anti-spermatogenic, analgesic, hypoglycaemic, and anti-carcinogenic activity. In Ayurveda, Bhallataka is used extensively in various formulations and in treatment of Kushta, Arshas, Gulma etc. Also, there are various antidotes mentioned for the toxic effects caused by this drug. The concept of Vishopayogiya² emphasises on the use of Visha Dravya, in the treatment of various disorders when all the other methods fail.

Methodology

Literature review was conducted on Bhallataka and its references on Kushta Chikitsa from various classical textbooks of Ayurveda, and various Shodhana Samskara and Pratyoushadi mentioned for the Bhallataka Visha. The literatures such as Brihatrayee, Laghutrayee and other texts such as Harita Samhita, Cakradatta, Vangasena Samhita, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakarah, Rasa Tarangini, Rasendra Sara Sangraha, Rasamrita, Khagendramani Darpana, Kriya Koumudi had been reviewed for the same.

Results

Etymology

‘Bhalla Ivaatati, Taikshnyat’.³

It is very sharp like that of a spear.

‘Bhalla Ivavathi Vrunoti Va Bhallatak’.⁴

Its touch produces Vruna and burning pain.

Taxonomical classification³

The word ‘Semecarpus’ is derived from Greek word ‘Simeion’ meaning ‘marking or tracing’ and ‘carpus’ meaning ‘nut’. ‘Anacardium’ means like cardium - “Heart shaped marking nut”.

Kingdom-Plantae; Class-Dicotyledons; SubclassPolypetalae; Series-Disciflorae; Order – Sapindales; Family – Anacardiaceae; Genus – Semecarpus; Species –Anacardium.

Botanical name – Semecarpus anacardium Linn.

Vernacular names³

English – Marking Nut Tree / Oriental Cashew; Hindi – Bhilawa; Kannada – Geru / Karigeru; Tamil – Sheran Kottai; Telugu – Bhallatamu / Nallajidi; Malayalam – Chera/Tenparakaa

Synonyms

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu⁶ - Bhallataka, Arushkara, Ashkara, Agnikah, Agnimukhi, Bhalli, Veeravrksha, Shophakrt

Rasa Tarangini²⁰ - Bhallataka, Bhallatah, Tapana, Arushkara, Agnika, Krimighna, Vataari

Rasajala Nidhi⁷ - Arusko, Arushkaro, Agnika, Agnimukhi, Bhalli, Veeravrksha, Shophahrt, Veerata, Vanalahwa, Vranahrt, Bhootanashaka, Satwahwala, Shailabeeji, Nirdahana, Krimighna, Tapana, Vataari, Shpotabeejaka, Mahateekshna, Pritagbeeja, Beejavrksha, Dhanuh, Taruh

Kaiyyadeva Nighantu⁸ - Arushkara, Veerataru, Bhalli, Bhallataka, Anala, Vranakrt, Shpotahetu, Arushko, Agnimukhi, Danu

Dhanwantari Nighantu⁹ - Bhallataka. Arushko. Smruta, Veerataru, Dahana, Tapana, Agnika, Arushkaro, Bhallata, Agnimukho, Dhanu

Raja Nighantu¹⁰ - Bhallataka, Agni, Dahana, Tapana, Arushkaro, Anala, Krimighna, Tailabeeja, Vataari, Shpotabeejaka, Prithakbeeja, Dhanurbeeja, Bhallato, Beejapadapa, Vanhi, Varataru

Madanapala Nighantu¹⁴ - Bhallataka, Nabhovalli, Veeravrksha, Agnivakraka, Arushkara, Tapana, Agnimukhi, Dhanu.

Kula - Amra kula

Gana / Varga

Caraka¹⁵ - Deepaneeya, Bhedaneeya, Kushtaghna, Mootrasangrahaneeya Mahakashaya

Sushruta Samhita¹⁶ and Ashtanga Hridaya¹⁷ - Nygrodhadi gana and Musthadi gana

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu⁶ & Priya Nighantu¹⁹ - Haritakhyadi varga

Kaiyyadeva Nighantu⁸ - Aaushadeeya varga

Raja Nighantu¹⁰ – Amraadi varga

Dhanwantari Nighantu⁹ & Shodhala Nighantu¹² – Chandanaadi varga

Rajavallabha Nighantu¹⁰ - Aoushadaashraya varga

Madanapala Nighantu¹⁴ – Abhayaadi varga

Nighantu adharsha¹⁸ – Bhallatakaadi varga

Chemical composition³

Nuts contain – Bhilawanol Bioflavanids A, B and C, Anacardic acid.

Seeds contain- Bhilawanol and Anacordoside, Anacardic acid, Cardol, Catechol, Anacardol, Semecarpol.

Nutshell contains – Bioflavone beta, Bioflavanoids, Bhilawanol, Tetrahydro-mentaflavone, Tetrahydrorobustaflavone

Parts used

Fruits, Seeds, Gum and Oil

Shodhana Samskara

Prashasta Bhallataka^20,21

The nuts of Pakwa Jambhu Phala Varna, which are complete, not infested by insects and grown in a healthy tree.

Time of collection of the drug

Collected in Shuchi-Shukra Masa (Jeshta Ashada), and kept in the husk heap of Masha and Yava for four months till Sahasi Sahasya Masa (Agahana/ Pushya). ^22,23

Collected in the Grishma Ritu and kept in the heap of Dhanya till Hemanta Ritu. ^24,21

Sthapana Samskara

Sthapana in Gomutra for seven consecutive days followed by seven days in Goksheera.²⁵

Well ripened fruits are kept soaked in Gomutra for seven days. Next seven days should be kept soaked in Goksheera. Washed and dried, then rubbed vigorously with Ishtika Choorna. Washed with hot water and dried for further use.^{26, 27}

Crushed seeds are soaked overnight in Gomutra and washed for three days. Seeds are then boiled in Haritaki Moola Twak Kashaya, Mahisha Shakrt Rasa consecutively, washed and dried. Then, washed in rice washed water, dried and stored.²¹

Seeds kept in Gomaya Rasa for three days, washed with water. Prakshalana with Narikela Jala, washed with water and dried.²¹

Gharshana Samskara

The cut seeds are tied in a Pottali along with the Ishtika Choorna and rubbed thoroughly from outside until the brick powder is soaked in oil, then washed in water and dried.²⁰

The crushed seeds are mixed in Ishtika Choorna, kept for seven days, later washed and dried.²¹

Swedana Samskara

Crushed seeds are tied in a pottali, hung in dolayantra with narikela jala and heated on mild fire for three hours. Washed and dried for further use.²⁰

Whole seeds should be boiled in limestome water, then washed and dried.²¹

Bharjana Samskara

Seeds are roasted in fire till they turn black, but some opine that, medicinal properties are lost in this process.²¹

Bhavana Samskara

Bhavana of seeds with Shuddha Jala from one sunrise to next day sunrise i.e. 24 hours, then dried and used.²¹

Changes during Shodhana in Bhallataka

Ashodhita Bhallataka contains 90% anacardic acid, 10% cardol and other compounds like Bhilawanol, Semecarpol and Anacardol; also, corrosive acids like C16H15O3 COOH and C14H13O3 COOH. Shodhana improves the yield in methanolic extract but decreases the phenolic and flavonoid content. The Ashodhita Bhallataka contains about 90% oxy acid i.e. anacardic acid, which is toxic urushiol and 10% Cardol. During shodhana due to decarboxylation of the oil, the anacardic acid gets converted into less toxic Anacardol.⁴⁴

In the Shodhana with brick powder, it has adsorbent property by which it absorbs irritant oils in the fruit.

In the qualitative analysis of Bhallataka in high-pressure thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), it showed five peaks in Ashodhita sample and three peaks in Shodhita sample, which indicates the absence of certain toxic chemical constituents.⁴⁴ The Gas chromatography (GC) study suggests that Ashodhita sample had irritant constituents like 2-fluorobenzoic acid and valeric acid, which was drastically reduced after Shodhana and they got converted into Butanothionic acid and Benzoic acid. This can be attributed to the Teekshna Guna of the Bhallataka.⁴⁵

There have been many research works regarding the medicinal properties of Shodhita and Ashodhita Bhallataka. Some results show that, Shodhana increases the anti-inflammatory activity,⁴⁹ anticancer activity,⁴⁷ thrombolytic activity⁴⁸ (i.e., clot lysing percentage was increased). Also, Shodhana decreases the nootropic activity46 which attributes to anticholinesterase activity.

Therapeutic Dose²⁰

1 – 3 Gunja/ Ratti; 1.2 g of the drug in Ksheerapaka form

Toxic Dose⁵

About 5-8 seeds or 10 grams

Vishaktata caused due to Bhallataka exposure²⁰

When Beeja Taila comes in contact with skin, it causes Daruna Daha (severe burning sensation), Atidaruna Vrana (severe ulcer), Shotha (swelling) and on ingestion may cause Shotha (swelling), Teevra Daha (severe burning sensation), Sanjayana (altered sensation) like that in Visarpa Roga.

Pathya during intake of Bhallataka

Pitta Shamaka Ahara-Vihara.⁵

Dugdha, Ghrita, Shalyanna, Narikela jala⁵

Smear the mouth with Ghrita before ingesting.²²

Apathya during intake of Bhallataka

Kulatta, Dadhi, Swedana²¹

Avoid intake of Pittavardhaka Ahara Vihara, KatuAmla-Lavana Dravya and Ushna Dravya.⁵

Pratyoushada

From the text, Khagendra Mani Darpana²⁸

Internal administration:

Sariva (Hemisdesmus indicus L.), Tumburu (Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb.) Moola Kashaya

Tumburu Beeja, Nagavalli (Piper betle,) Sita, with Tila Taila.

In Shopha– Parpataka (Fumaria indica Hausskn.) Kashaya/ Palasha (Butea monosperma Taub.) Kashaya.

In Vrana - Triphala, Palmara (Ficus benghalensis L.) Kashaya.

External administration:

Neeli (Indigofera tinctoria Linn.), Karkotaki (Mimordica dioica Roxb.), Padmakesara (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

Tila Taila / Ghrita with Tanduliyaka (Amaranthus spinosus).

Nagavalli / Parpataka with water

Bhadramushta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) with Ghrita

Tila (Sesamum indicum Linn.), Durva (Cynodon dactylon Pers.), Sariva

Tanduliyaka /Tila Taila with Madhuchishta / Yashti with Ghrita

Water triturated with Ghrita for Prakshalana

Durva with Ghrita is processed and applied on wounds

Krishna Tila, Mahisha Ksheera Siddha Navaneeta with Haridra

Tila Taila with Karpasa (Gossypium herbaceum Linn.) Patra and Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) for application.

Krishna Taila with Goksheera Bhavana and the same is applied with Mahisha Ksheera Siddha Navaneeta

Navaneeta, Haridra, Abranadi (Mushta) is applied externally

From the text, Kriya Koumudi²¹

Internal administration:

Vamana and Virechana is advised.

Tanduliyaka Moola Kwatha with Sita

Parisha (Thespesia populnea Linn.) Twak Swarasa.

Chincha (Tamarindus indica Linn.) Dala Swarasa, Chincha Phala with Tila Taila.

Parpataka Swarasa, Nimba (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) Twak Swarasa, Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) seed rind, Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Krishnajeeraka (Carum carvi Linn.).

Ghrita melted and churned with Snuhi (Euphorbia nerifolia Linn.) Patra Kashaya/ Ksheera – thus formed butter should be used for Paana and Lepa.

Bhibhitaki Moola Twak Kwatha added with Navaneeta prepared from Mahisha.

Palasha Twak Kashaya with Sita and Ksheera.

Tanduliya Moola Bhavana with Ksheera.

Haritaki, Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum Linn.), Vibhitaki Kwatha.

Tila with Guda -paste. 

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestis), Sariva, Triphala, Chandana (Santalum album Linn.) Kashaya along with Madhu.

In Upadrava caused, administer Navana Nasya. Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth.) Twak, Karavellaka (Mimordica charantia) Patra, Paribhadra (Erythrina inidica Linn.) Twak, Lashuna (Allium sativum Linn.), Shigru (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Twak, Chopacheeni (Smilax china) along with Purana Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn.) are macerated with half murakk water (~250 ml) and filtered – the supernatant water is used for Navana Nasya.

Erythema – fresh Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) Patra Swarasa Paana.

In Jwaraadi Lakshana –Haritaki Kashaya, Jeeraka, Khanda Sharkara and Madhu.

In Jwaraadi Lakshana – Laksha (Laccifer lacca kerr.), Dusparsha (Tragia involucrate Linn.), Haritaki, Mushta Kashaya.

External administration:

Lepana with Chincha Patra and Bhibhitaki.

Sarshapa (Brassica juncea Linn.) Beeja and Tanduliyaka Lepana

Bhibhitaki Twak Sarvanga Lepana.

After getting exposed to Bhallataka, one should stand in front of Bhibitaki Vrksha facing south direction, do Pradakshikna and hug the tree for consecutive three days. Then the signs and symptoms will get reduced.

With Navaneeta with Jala, Lepana should be done.

Satadouta Ghrita Lepana

Fresh Navaneeta prepared from Goksheera along with water Lepa.

Ghrita melted and churned with Snuhi Patra Kashaya/ Ksheera – thus formed butter should be used for Paana and Lepa.

Palasha Twak Kalka for Lepana

Dusparsha can be used same as Palasha for Paana and Lepa

Takra and Madhu can be used for Lepana

Swarasa of Tanduliya, Sita and Sarshapa triturated with butter for Lepana

Wound with severe discharge, Tila grinded with Ksheera, Navaneeta, Madhu, Ghrita as Lepana.

Soil beneath the tree of Bhallataka should be used for Lepana on the contact wounds.

Teak (Tectona grandis) leaves should be grinded and applied externally

Tila in Ajaksheera and Navaneeta for Lepana

Krishna Valmika Mruttika (black mud ant hill) Lepana

Udumbara (Ficus racemosa Linn.) Vrksha Swarasa with Navaneeta churned for 10 times and used for Lepana

Excess redness is there – fresh Dhanyaka Patra Swarasa for Lepa

In redness and swelling – Haritaki fruit rind triturated with Takra – for Lepana

In Vrana, Kandu, Jwara, Shopha, - Tanduliya Moola with Sarshapa and Navaneeta for Lepana.

In Bhallataka Visha Vrana and Visarpa – Paribhadra Patra Swarasa with Navaneeta for Prakshalana

In cases where there is severe wound, swelling – Sariva Pallava Swarasa with Havis Ghrita (chitanai) Lepana.

In severe headache due to Bhallataka Visha- Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia L.) Choorna with Stanya – Moordni Lepa

In burns caused by Visha - Shatadouta Ghrita Lepana

Other varieties - In Nadi Bhallataka poisoning – Mushta, Sarshapa Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) powdered and with butter for Lepana

In other variety of Bhallataka poisoning – Shunti (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) Jala Prakshalana

Sharangadhara Samhita²⁹

In Shotha, Ajadugdha + Tila lepana along with Navaneeta or Krishna Mruttika Lepana.

Chakradatta³⁰

In Shotha,

Tila + Dugdha + Navaneeta + Madhuka Lepana

The mud below the tree of Bhallataka is applied

Shala (Shorea robusta) Dala Lepana

Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakarah³¹

In Shotha,

Ashwatha (Ficus religiosa L.) Twak Kwatha Dhavana to the contact area

Tila + Mahisha Ksheera + Navaneeta Lepana

Tila + Krishna Mruttika Lepana

Mahisha Navaneeta + Tila Lepana

Sahasrayoga³²

Bhibhitaka bark or fruit rind should be applied as Lepana

Tila Kalka has to be applied as Lepana and milk should be consumed

References of Bhallataka in context of Kushta Chikitsa

Various clinical researches have been conducted on the yoga containing Bhallataka, viz, Bhallatakaadi Lepa in Dadru Kushta,¹¹ Vyadhignadi Taila in Ekakushta,¹² Navayaasa Rasayana Leha and Medhya Rasayana in Ekakushta,¹³ Vishakalpa in Shwithra⁵⁰ etc. Further researches should be carried out on the single drug therapy or on various formulations of Bhallataka in Kushta.

Discussion

The human skin cell type (keratinocytes) expresses olfactory receptors, which are similar to bitter taste receptors. Studies have shown expression and activation of extra gustatory TAS2Rs receptors in human skin. Semecarpus anacardium Linn., having bitter taste as secondary taste is better absorbed via skin and acts against various skin disorders.⁴³ Being predominant of Ushna Veerya will help in balancing Vata and Kapha Dosha. Due to Kashaya, Tikta, Madhura Rasa balances Pitta Dosha and Rakta Dhatugata Vikara. Juice of pericarp is escharotic; oil is powerful antiseptic and cholagogue; ripe fruits are stimulant, digestive, nervine and escharotic. Marking nut is a gastro-intestinal irritant when taken by the mouth. Kernel is a good nutritive food, also appetizer, digestive and carminative. It is used with a great caution in the cases of rheumatism, eczema, lepra, psoriasis, leukoderma and other skin diseases. Fruits are used in the treatment of skin ailments which have been discussed previously.

Conclusion

Bhallataka is Tikta, Madhura, Kashaya Rasa, due to which it alleviates Pitta Dosha, and Rakta Dhatu due to its Ashraya Ashrayi Sambandha. Rakta Dhatugata Vikara mainly manifesting in the Twak are directly linked to the status of Pitta Dosha. Hence, Bhallataka is effective in the management of Twak Vikara. It is Ushna Veerya and Agnisama, alleviates Kapha Dosha because of which it is effective in the management of Kapha-Pittaja Kushta Vikara. All Samhita and Nighantu have explained Bhallataka as the Agrya Aoushada in the management of Kushta and Arshas. Bhallataka Vardamana Prayoga as Rasayana has been mentioned in the Kushta Adhyaya. With all these, we can say that Semecarpus anacardium Linn., is effective in curing dermatological disorders. Further there is vast scope for research of Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn.) in skin disorders and its action at cellular level.

Conflicts of Interest

None