Abstract

Yogesh Prabhakar Nikam40428*

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. a potent ethanomedicinal plant belonging to FamilyAnacardiaceae, commonly known as ‘Bhallatak’ or ‘Bhilawa’.  It  has  potent medicinal value in Ayurveda and siddha system of medicine. Bhilawa is being used traditionally and ethanobotanically for several treatments. Phytochemical analysis of Semecarpus anacardium nut shows biologically active compounds such as biflavonoids, phenolic compounds, bhilawanols, minerals, vitamins and amino acids, which shows various medicinal properties. Traditional healers and physicians use formulations of Semecarpus anacardium in their clinical practice. In market there are number of formulations among them commonly used formulations are Amritbhallatak Avaleha, Bhallatakasav, Suran vatak, Bhallatak Parpati, Sanjeevani Vati, Narsimha choorna, etc. Several experiments have proved pharmacological activities of Semecarpus anacardium as anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-reproductive, CNS stimulant, anticarcinogenic and hair growth promoter activities.