Introduction

Living organisms are viewed as Nityaga and Anubandha.^[1] Nityaga refers to the continuous process of aging, while Anubandha describes the inherent quality of aging in specific ways and at certain intervals. The principles of Rasayana focus on delaying both chronological and qualitative aspects of aging. In the Brihtrayi texts, several Rasayana formulations feature Bhallataka, with Acharya Charaka emphasizing its Rasayana properties and detailing ten different preparations.^[2] In Ayurveda, Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn) is classified as Upvisha Dravya.^[3] In modern toxicology, it is categorized as an irritant vegetable organic poison. According to government regulations, this poisonous medicinal plant is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act of 1940. Despite its toxic nature, Bhallataka must undergo a detoxification process before use, which involves rubbing the nut with brick powder and then washing it with warm water.^[4]

Bhallataka also has beneficial effects on the nervous system, acting as a brain tonic that promotes intellect and strengthens the entire body. Rasayana, or Jara Chikitsa, is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, practiced effectively for centuries. While its primary focus is on enhancing health, Rasayana also serves as a curative treatment, addressing ailments and preventing their recurrence, thus promoting longevity. This dual purpose is why Acharya Charaka dedicated the first chapter of Chikitsa Sthana to Rasayana. An ideal Rasayana prolongs life, enhances memory and intellect, boosts overall health, and provides immunity against diseases, enabling individuals to lead vibrant lives. It improves skin luster and complexion, refines voice and speech, and enhances the acuity of sensory and motor functions, contributing to overall vitality and vigor. Bhallataka possesses all these qualities, making it an effective Rasayana that helps a healthy individual achieve Prashasta Rasadi Dhathus while enhancing Medhya (intellectual) attributes.

Aim and Objectives

1. To Discuss, Evaluate, and Elaborate on Rasayana with a Focus on Rejuvenation and Promotion.
2. To Discuss, Evaluate, and Elaborate on the Properties of Bhallataka.

Table 3: Common Characters of Bhallataka

Previous Research work of Semecarpus anacardium

Antioxidant effect (Free radical scavenging activity)

• Verma et al. studied the antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract from the nuts of the medicinal plant SA in the liver of AKR mice during lymphoma development. Their findings revealed that administering the aqueous extract of SA to lymphoma-transplanted mice resulted in increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and a significant reduction in LDH activity, suggesting a decrease in carcinogenesis.^[18]
• Sahoo et al. examined the antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate extract from the stem bark of SA. This extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, attributed to its high total phenolic content of 68.67% (measuredas pyrocatechol equivalent), outperforming other extracts (hexane, chloroform, and methanol). From the ethyl acetate extract, a bright-yellow solid crystal was isolated and identified as butein.

• Premlatha et al. reported the immunomodulatory potency, antioxidative properties, membrane stabilization, tumor marker regulation, glucose level restoration, and mineral regulation effects of nut extract in hepatocellular carcinoma. They found that the extract detoxifies the potent hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B1, facilitating the excretion of its metabolites in urine.^[25]

Anti atherogenic effect

• Sharma et al. demonstrated that SA has cardiac activity, primarily by reducing tissue and serum hyperlipidemia through the inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption and promoting peripheral disposal. This mechanism contributes to its anti-atherosclerotic properties.[26]

Anti-microbial activity

• Mohanta et al. investigated the antimicrobial activity of Semecarpus anacardium using the disc diffusion method with various extracts. The petroleum ether and aqueous extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus (10 mm) and Shigella flexneri (16 mm) at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. Additionally, the chloroform extract inhibited Bacillus licheniformis, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the ethanol extract showed inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus.[27]
• Nair et al. discovered that the alcoholic extract of dry nuts from Semecarpus anacardium exhibited bactericidal activity in vitro against three gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Proteus vulgaris) as well as two gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Further studies revealed that alcoholic extracts from various parts of the plant, including leaves, twigs, and green fruit, also possess antibacterial properties, with the leaf extract showing particularly strong effects.[28]

CNS activity

• Farooq et al. assessed the beneficial effects of SA nuts extracted with milk on the central nervous system (CNS), specifically focusing on locomotor and nootropic activities in various experimental animal models. The extract demonstrated only a slight CNS depressant effect at a dose of 150 mg/kg, while also exhibiting nootropic activity.[29]

Discussion

Rasayana offers a holistic approach to promoting healthful longevity, encompassing mental development and enhancing disease resistance. It is a specialized form of treatment that influences fundamental bodily aspects, including Dhatu, Agni, and Srotas.

Different Rasayana drugs may exert predominant effects at various levels, thanks to their diverse pharmacodynamic properties. Rather than representing a specific pharmacological action, the Rasayana effect is a complex phenomenon that operates through a comprehensive mechanism involving essential factors.

This includes enhancing the quality of the Sapta dhatu through Prashast Rasadi-Samvahan to boost immunity, improving agni to enhance metabolism, and optimizing srotas for better endocrine and exocrine secretions. Ultimately, this integrated approach may lead to the comprehensive effects described by Charaka: “Labhopayo Hi Shastanam – Rasadinam Rasayanam. ^[35]

Rasayana effects are described in terms of Vayasthapana, Ayushkara, Medhakara, and Urjaskara. For instance, drugs like Bhallataka operate at the level of Rasa by enhancing the specific nutritional qualities of Poshak Rasa . The properties of Madhura Vipaka and Snigdha Guna also contribute to Rasayana effects by promoting the nutritional value of Rasa, which in turn helps achieve optimal qualities of Dhatus.

Bhallataka primarily impacts Agni , or digestion and metabolism, due to its Ushana Veerya, Laghu Guna and the Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Rasas. This vitalizes organic metabolism, leading to improved structural and functional patterns of dhatus , resulting in Prashasta Dhatus or timal biotransformation for producing high-quality bodily tissues, delaying senility, and preventing age-related diseases.

As an Upvisha, Bhallataka possesses Laghu, Ruksha, Aashu, Vishad, Vyavayi, Teekshna, and Ushna Gunas, which help eliminate Ama and clear the Srotasas , or microchannels of the body’s systems. This process facilitates the nourishment of all tissues (Dhatus) and reveals the Rasayana effect within the body. Additionally, its Medhakara properties enhance mental faculties.