BHALLATAKA (SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM) – TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

BHALLATAKA (SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM) – TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE & THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS:

ACTIVE PRINCIPLES

• Bhallataka (Botanical name: Semecarpus anacardium, Family: Anacardiaceae) contains:

  • Bhilawanol

  • Semecarpol

  • Anacardic acid

• These compounds are oily phenolic principles known to be highly irritant and vesicant to skin and mucous membranes.

MODE OF ACTION

• Acts as a severe irritant to the gastrointestinal mucosa, skin, and mucous membranes.

• Causes vesication, blistering, and ulceration through local corrosive action.

• If ingested, the toxin causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and systemic toxicity due to fluid and electrolyte loss.

• Absorption through skin can cause dermatitis and blister formation.

FATAL DOSE

• 10–12 raw nuts can be fatal if ingested

• 3–5 mL of extracted oil is sufficient to cause death

• Even small amounts may cause severe irritation externally

FATAL PERIOD

• Death typically occurs within 12–36 hours, depending on dose, route of exposure, and individual susceptibility

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Oral ingestion:

  • Burning in mouth and throat

  • Nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea

  • Abdominal pain, hypotension

  • Restlessness, shock, collapse

• Dermal exposure:

  • Severe itching, erythema

  • Vesicle and blister formation

  • Ulceration, secondary infection

• Systemic symptoms may include delirium, convulsions, and renal failure

Sanskrit Shloka (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 27/231):

"भल्लातकं कटू तिक्तं दीपनी वातनाशनम्।
कुष्ठमेहप्रमेहानां हन्तारं रोगनाशनम्॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 27/231)

MANAGEMENT

• Decontamination: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin with soap and water

• Gastric lavage with warm water if ingested

• Activated charcoal to prevent further absorption

• IV fluids to manage dehydration and electrolyte loss

• Antihistamines and corticosteroids for allergic or inflammatory response

• Topical steroids for local dermatitis

• Analgesics for pain and irritation

• Dialysis may be required in case of renal involvement

• Symptomatic and supportive care essential

POST-MORTEM APPEARANCE

• Erosions and ulcers in the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and intestines

• Congestion, inflammation, and hemorrhage in GI tract

• Blisters and burns on skin if applied externally

• Congested viscera, especially liver and kidneys

• Remnants of nut may be found in stomach

MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS

• Homicidal use has been recorded in ancient times (mixed with food or applied over skin)

• Suicidal ingestion is uncommon due to severe painful symptoms

• Accidental poisoning in children or through improper traditional use

• Improper processing or unsupervised use in herbal therapy may lead to poisoning

• Bhallataka is a Mahavisha, hence mandatory shodhana is required before medicinal use

THERAPEUTIC DOSE

• Shodhita Bhallataka (processed) is used in Ayurvedic medicine

• Shodhana method: Soaking nuts in Godugdha, Kanji, or lime water, and removing oil content

• Therapeutic dose:

  • Shuddha Bhallataka churna: 30–125 mg, once or twice daily

  • Must be given with ghee, milk, or honey to minimize irritation

Sanskrit Shloka (Rasa Ratna Samuccaya 19/25):

"शुद्धं भल्लातकं युक्तं रोगनाशं करोति च।
कुष्ठं शोथं च वातं च यथावद्दर्शयेद्भिषक्॥"
(Rasa Ratna Samuccaya 19/25)

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS OF BHALLATAKA

• Bhallatak Rasayana – Used in skin disorders, prameha, arthritis, and as a rejuvenator

• Amritabhallataka Lehya – Used in digestive disorders, grahani, amavata, and chronic infections