A Comprehensive Overview of Semecarpus anacardium Linn.: Phytochemical, Pharmacological Properties, and Therapeutic Potential

Semecarpus anacardium is known as Bhallataka. It is an old Indian medicinal plant known as the AyurvedicArdaVaidya, leading to “half the doctors”. This plant includes significant importance in indigenous medicine. Semecarpus anacardium is a widely ued. Plant parts have medicinal benefits such as anticancer, asthma, antiarithritis, myocardial infraction, antidiabetic, piles, anti-helminthiasis, etc. This article examines a plant's pharmacological activity, covering its botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, and traditional uses. It discusses the plant’s morphology, growth conditions, and common names, as well as its native and cultivated regions. Its medicinal properties are due to presence of various bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, amino acids, phenolic compounds, minerals and vitamins amino acids in its nuts. The diverse phytochemical composition of Semecarpus anacardium underlines its importance in herbal medicine. The phytochemicals present, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, are emphasized, along with extraction methods for consistency and efficacy. It also examines the plant’s pharmacological activities, such asanticancer, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant effect. It focuses on the plant's role in traditional medicine and modern therapeutic applications in clinical settings and alternative medicine. The plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, fruits, and seeds) of Semecarpus anacardium were subjected to various extraction methods, including Soxhlet extraction and solvent partitioning.