Danti (Baliospermum montanum) is a monoecious, robust undershrub that can reach heights of 1.8 meters. The roots of this plant are sprouting herbaceous branches. Lower branches feature 3-5 lobed big, simple, sinuate-toothed leaves, while above branches have short lanceolate leaves. Numerous, unisex flowers are placed in axillary racemes. The calyx of a male flower is spherical, membraneous, long, delicately mottled, and has five to six disc glands. Sepals on female flowers are oblong and lanceolate, and they are tiny and hairy. Three-lobed capsules are the plant's fruit. The smooth, speckled seeds have oily endosperms. Flowers begin to bloom in January and February, while fruits start to appear in March.
General information
The shade-loving danti plant thrives in climates with good humidity. Among its many common names are red physic nut, wild castor, wild croton, and wild sultan seeds. It is a herb used medicinally in Ayurveda medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Dantimool, dried roots, or leaves are utilized for a variety of therapeutic applications. This plant's seeds and roots have purgative properties. The root's solvents and extract have hepatoprotective, immune-stimulating, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Glycoterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, titerpenoids, diterpenes, saponins, and flavonoids are only a few of the chemical components it includes. This plant's leaves have anti-asthmatic and wound-healing qualities.
Special note about Danti
According to Charaka, danti roots are covered in a paste made of pippali and madhuka to purify dantimool. This mass is then covered with mud and wrapped in grass before being tied and wrapped. Dantimool's toxicity is decreased by heating the bulk that has been wrapped.
Habitat
From the Khasi Hills to Kashmir, Danti is widely cultivated in the sub-Himalayan regions. Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Peninsular India all have easy access to it.
Classification
Kingdom - Plantae
Order - Malpighiales
Family - Euphorbiaceae
Names
Latin name - Baliospermum montanum
English name - Wild castor, Wild croton, Red physic nut
Hindi name - Danti, Hakum, Hakun
Bengali name - Danti, Hakun
Gujarati name - Dantimul, Jamalgota
Marathi name - Danti
Telugu name - Ettadungida, Kanakapata
Tamil name - Kattamaraku, Niradimutta
Malayalam name - Dantika, Katalavanakku, Nagadanti
Oriya name - Donti
Burma name - Natcho
Persian name - Bedanjirekhatai
Arabic name - Habbussalantinebarri
Ayurvedic Properties
|
Particular |
Hindi / Sanskrit |
English |
|
Rasa (Taste) |
Katu |
Pungent |
|
Guna (Quality) |
Guru, Tikshna |
Heavy, Sharp |
|
Virya (Potency) |
Ushna |
Hot |
|
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste) |
Katu |
Pungent |
Effects on dosha
It balances pitta and kapha dosha.
|
Charak Samhita |
Sushrut Samhita |
Vagbhata |
|
Shamayadi, adhobhaghara |
Shamayadi |
Rajnighantu
Rajnighantu claims there are two varieties of danti:
- Danti (Laghu Danti)
- Dravanti (Brehat Danti)
Practical Uses
- Danti is a blood purifier, and danti paste is used to lessen swelling and pain. Both reduce pain by acting as analgesics.
- This herb is used to cure fever since it contains antipyretic qualities. Additionally anti-inflammatory, this plant is used to lessen inflammation. Pittaj Jawara uses danti decoction.
- Roots have strong laxative and purgative properties. This herb's seeds and root powder are used to treat constipation and piles patients benefit most from its use.
- Jaundice sufferers have found danti leaves to be quite helpful.
- By calming the kapha dosha, a decoction of leaves is used to cure bronchitis and asthma. To hasten the healing of wounds, a paste made from danti leaves is applied.
- Danti seed extract is applied externally as a stimulant and rubefacient. This plant works well for stomach aches, bloating, and tumors in the abdomen.
- This herb's roots have a strong, warming, and diuretic flavor. Additionally, it is useful for abdominal tumors, hemorrhoids, and splenic enlargement.
- When root paste is applied externally to a pile mass, the pain, edema, and pile mass all decrease.
- Danti seed oil is particularly helpful in treating vata-related conditions like paralysis, sciatica, gout, and neurological issues, among others.
- Additionally, seed paste is used to poison snake bites.
- Pitta and Kapha dosha are calmed by danti.
Part Used
Roots
Leaves
Seeds
Seed oil
Dosage
Root powder - 1-3gm
Seed powder - 125-250mg
Seed oil - 3-5 drops
Cautions
- In cases of pregnancy and lactation, it is not advised.
- Severe discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can result in overdosing.