A Review on Pharmacological activities and Medicinal properties of Baliospermum montanum

Baliospermum montanum which belongs to Euphorbiaceae family is a commonly used plant in both Ayurveda and traditional medicine system in Sri Lanka. It is also known as the “Detta” in Sinhala and “Danti” in Sanskrit. This review aims to provide an overview on pharmacological activities and medicinal properties of Baliospermum montanum. The information was collected from Ayurveda authentic texts, scientific journals and through electronic media. According to Ayurvedic texts roots, leaves, seed and seed oil of Baliospermum montanum are mostly used. According to Ayurveda pharmacological properties of Baliospermum montanum Katu Rasa, Guru Theekshna Guna, Katu Vipāka, Ushna Veerya, Kapha Pitta Shāmaka action. Prabhāva is the purgation. Other medicinal properties are Ashukāri, Vikāsi, Krimihara, Kushtahara, Kaphahara, Vātahara, Dushta Vrana Shōdhana, Udara, Arshōgna, Ashmarihara, Shoolahara, Deepana, Pāchana, Shōdhana, Sara, Ānahahara, Shōpahara, Vidāhahara, Kanduhara, Pleehāhara, Gulmahara and Krimihara. Baliospermum montanum act as purgative. It induces diarrhea and therapeutically it is useful in constipation, anaemia, leucoderma, skin disease, disorders of digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system, urinary system and skin. Pharmacological actions are Anti-cancer, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal, Anti-oxidant, Anti-worm, Anti-diabetic, free radical scavenging, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, digestive, diuretic, diaphoretic, rubefacient, febrifuge, tonic, anthelmintic, hypotensive, odontalgic, thermogenic, purgative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, anti-dote for snake bite, anti-rheumatic, anti-asthmatic, wound healing, cathartic and anti-dropsical. The present review attempts to encompass the up to date comprehensive literature analysis on Baliospermum montanum with respect to its pharmacological activities and its medicinal properties.