Evaluation of the Anti-aging Potential of Bhallataka Rasayana via High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
1Devashish Santosh Dahatre, 2Rahul Jadhav and 3Meha Gandhi
1,2Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Parul Institute of Ayurved and Research, Parul University, Ishwarpura, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 3Department of Kayachikitsa, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India)
ABSTRACT
Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn., Family: Anacardiaceae) is a potent medicinal plant widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for its Rasayana (rejuvenative) and VataKapha pacifying properties. However, owing to the presence of corrosive phenolic lipids like urushiol and anacardic acids in its pericarp, it is classified as an Upavisha (semi-poisonous drug) in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940), necessitating rigorous Shodhana (purification) prior to therapeutic application. The formulation Bhallataka Rasayana is a traditional herbo-mineral preparation designed to harness the therapeutic efficacy of the fruit while mitigating its toxicity. This study aimed to standardize Bhallataka Rasayana through organoleptic, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluation, specifically utilizing High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting to establish a quality control profile. The study also sought to validate the efficacy of a specific two-stage purification protocol involving Ishtika Churna (brick powder) and Narikelodaka (coconut water).