semecarpus anacardium

Semecarpus anacardium is a medicinal plant belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine. The nut and extracts contain biflavonoids, phenolic compounds, bhilawanols, and various minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. It has demonstrated a range of pharmacological activities in preclinical studies, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-atherogenic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, anti-reproductive, anti-ulcer, analgesic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting, and cardioprotective effects. Mechanisms of action are complex and multifactorial, including modulation of antioxidant enzyme levels, inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1), stimulation of lipoprotein lipase, reduction of blood glucose, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. It is mainly used as an herbal or traditional remedy, not an approved pharmaceutical, and there is limited evidence in humans. The crude extracts or specific formulations are found in various traditional medicines and dietary supplements[1][2][3].

Other names

BhallatakaBhilawaBhallatakSemecarpus anacardium Linn.