Abstract

Dr. Milind P. Chatrabhuji*, Dr. Mita Mashru, Dr. Madhavi Patel

ABSTRACT

Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn; Anacardiaceae) fruit is one of the upavisha dravya (semi poisonous drugs). It can be used only after shodhana (purification) for pharmaceutical purpose. Bhallataka can be purified with different shodhana methods as per various classical references. Here two classical references are taken viz. Rasamrutam and Rasa Tarangini. The detailed analytical study of Shuddha Bhallataka and different media used for shodhana is recorded. 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 said 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”