Danti (Baliospermum montanum) in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

Danti (Baliospermum montanum), also known as Red Physic Nut, is a potent herb in Ayurveda, primarily recognized for its powerful purgative (virechana) and detoxifying properties. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is classified as a Tikshna Virechana Dravya (intense purgative herb), used extensively in Ayurvedic cleansing therapies.

Primary Disease Where Danti is Most Accountable in Ayurveda

Disease: Udara Roga (Ascites & Abdominal Disorders)

Udara Roga refers to a group of abdominal disorders, including ascites (Jalodara), indigestion, liver dysfunction, and excessive accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Danti is particularly effective in treating ascites, a condition caused by liver cirrhosis, kidney disorders, or chronic infections, leading to fluid retention in the abdomen.

Medicinal Actions of Danti in Udara Roga

1. Virechana (Strong Purgative): Clears accumulated fluid and toxins from the body.

2. Yakrit Shodhana (Liver Detoxification): Cleanses and strengthens liver function.

3. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory): Reduces swelling and fluid retention.

4. Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing): Removes excess Kapha, preventing stagnation of fluids.

5. Pachana (Digestive Enhancer): Stimulates digestive fire (Agni), preventing indigestion.

6. Mutrala (Diuretic): Promotes urination, helping eliminate excess water.

Pathology of Udara Roga in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Udara Roga is caused by Agnimandya (weakened digestion), leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) and imbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. The stagnation of these doshas results in excessive fluid accumulation and obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pathogenesis (Samprapti) of Udara Roga:

1. Nidana (Causative Factors): Poor digestion, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic liver disease, excessive water intake.

2. Dosha Involvement:

   • Vata imbalance leads to dryness and improper digestion.

   • Pitta aggravation results in inflammation and liver damage.

   • Kapha dominance leads to fluid retention.

3. Sthana Samshraya (Location of Disease): Liver, intestines, and peritoneal cavity.

4. Vyakti (Manifestation): Swelling, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing.

5. Bheda (Complications): If untreated, it may lead to severe liver failure and multi-organ damage.

Pharmacognosy of Danti (Baliospermum montanum)

1. Botanical Name: Baliospermum montanum

2. Family: Euphorbiaceae

3. Plant Part Used: Roots, seeds, leaves

4. Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)

5. Potency (Veerya): Ushna (hot)

6. Post-digestive effect (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)

7. Properties (Guna): Tikshna (sharp), Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Mode of Action in Ayurveda

Danti primarily pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas, while stimulating Pitta. It promotes Virechana (purgation), removing Ama (toxins) from the gastrointestinal tract. It also enhances Agni (digestive fire), ensuring better digestion and metabolism.

Different Names in Various Languages

• Sanskrit: Danti, Vatsadani

• Hindi: Danti, Red Physic Nut

• Tamil: Niruppukotti

• Telugu: Tella Jilledu

• Kannada: Danti gida

• Gujarati: Danti

• Bengali: Danti

• Marathi: Danti

• English: Wild Croton, Baliospermum

Chemical Constituents

• Baliospermin

• Ricinoleic Acid

• Tannins

• Saponins

• Flavonoids

• Alkaloids

Diseases and Conditions Where Danti is Used in Ayurveda

1. Udara Roga (Ascites & Abdominal Disorders): Removes excess fluid and detoxifies the liver.

2. Arsha (Hemorrhoids): Reduces swelling and facilitates easy bowel movement.

3. Pleeha Roga (Splenomegaly): Strengthens spleen function and detoxifies the blood.

4. Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders): Effective in liver cirrhosis and jaundice.

5. Shotha (Edema): Reduces water retention in the body.

6. Krimi Roga (Parasitic Infections): Destroys intestinal worms.

7. Prameha (Diabetes): Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

8. Vata Roga (Neurological Disorders): Relieves nerve-related conditions.

9. Kushta Roga (Skin Diseases): Used in eczema, psoriasis, and leprosy.

10. Gulma (Abdominal Tumors): Helps shrink benign tumors and cysts.

Ayurvedic Medications Using Danti as an Ingredient

1. Dantyarishta – Used in chronic abdominal disorders.

2. Dantyadi Churna – Purgative powder for constipation.

3. Triphala Guggulu – Detoxifies blood and improves digestion.

4. Avipattikar Churna – Treats hyperacidity and indigestion.

5. Danti Ghrita – Liver tonic.

6. Panchakol Churna – Promotes digestive fire.

7. Danti Taila – Used externally for joint pain.

8. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu – Treats skin and liver disorders.

9. Danti Kwatha – Detoxifying decoction.

10. Danti Rasayana – Strengthens metabolism and immunity.

Home Remedies Using Danti

1. Constipation Remedy: Danti root powder mixed with warm water acts as a natural laxative.

2. Liver Detox Drink: Boil Danti root in water and consume it for liver health.

3. Skin Detox Paste: Danti leaf paste can be applied to skin infections.

4. Anti-Parasitic Remedy: Danti seed powder with honey kills intestinal parasites.

5. Hemorrhoid Treatment: Danti root paste can be applied externally.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Excessive use may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.

• Not recommended for pregnant women due to its intense purgative action.

• May cause gastric irritation if taken on an empty stomach.

• Should not be used in children and elderly individuals without medical supervision.

Danti as a Tikshna Virechana Dravya in Ayurveda

Danti is classified as a Tikshna Virechana Dravya (strong purgative herb) in Ayurveda. It is commonly used in Panchakarma therapies for deep detoxification. It removes accumulated toxins (Ama) from the intestines and liver, making it essential in diseases requiring strong cleansing action.

Conclusion

Danti (Baliospermum montanum) is a highly potent Ayurvedic herb known for its Tikshna Virechana (strong purgative) properties. It is primarily used in treating Udara Roga (ascites), liver disorders, and digestive issues. Its powerful cleansing action makes it an essential herb in Panchakarma therapies for detoxification and disease prevention.