Screening of Free radical scavenging activity and immunomodulatory effect of Bhallataka ghrita an experimental study

The presence of harmful free radicals, which include reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), can lead to a condition called oxidative stress. These free radicals originate from sources within the body, like mitochondria and immune cells or even from external factors such as pollution, smoking and exposure to heavy metals or pesticides. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. This process plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative illness such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, ageing, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and neurogenerative disorders. Immunomodulation is a process which alters the immune system of organism by interfering with its function by immuno-stimulation or immuno-suppression. Modulation of immune responses to alleviate the disease using herbal, mineral or herbo-mineral has been of interest for many years and the concept of ‘Rasayana’ is based on related principles.

Bhallataka is proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, anticancer activity, and antibacterial activity as well as the Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties when used in different dosage forms. Ghrita increases the potency of certain herbal ingredients by carrying the lipid soluble active components to the interior of the cell. Since the drug is mentioned under semi-poisonous group of drugs, judicious use

of Bhallataka after proper processing is advocated. Other studies related to phytochemistry revealed the presence of a variety of flavonoids such as tetrahydroamentoflavone, nallaflavanone, semecarpetin and anacardioflavanone along with other phenolic compound such as bhilawanol and anacardic acid. The present study intends to prepare Bhallataka Ghrita by classical method and to screen the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Bhallataka Ghrita in a scientific manner.