SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM LINN: AN ETHNOMEDICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. (Family Anacardiaceae), generally known ‘Ballataka’ or’ Bhilwa’, is a factory well-known for its medicinal value in ayurvedic and siddha system of the drug; it’s also used for non-medicinal purpose like marking of cloth, hair color, etc. since ancient time. Phytochemical analyses of Semecarpus anacardium nut shows that, its nut contains a variety of biologically active composites similar as biflavonoids, phenolic composites, bhilawanols, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, which shows colorful medicinal parcels. The oleic acid content present in the kernel indicated that it could be used as a good source of salad oil. Traditional healers and croakers use Semecarpus anacardium in their clinical practice. Several trials have proved its anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-reproductive, CNS stimulant, hypoglycemic, anticarcinogenic and hair growth protagonist conditioning. An exhaustive literature survey was performed on Semecarpus anacardium Linn by using various scientific databases to validate the ethnomedical properties of the plants. The present review of literature has focused on ethnomedicinal, nutritional value, phytochemical components, and pharmacological properties of Semecarpus anacardium Linn