Baliospermum

Botanical

What is it

Baliospermum montanum, known as danti in Ayurveda, is a shrub native to India whose roots and seeds are used in traditional formulations, primarily as a strong purgative.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Strong purgation (traditional Ayurvedic use)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use as a purgative in panchakarma. Not appropriate for modern self-use. Modern clinical evidence is essentially absent.

How it works

The seeds and roots contain diterpene esters (phorbol-related compounds), alkaloids, and resins. These have strong purgative and irritant actions on the GI tract. Danti is one of the components of the classic Ayurvedic purification (panchakarma) formulations. Due to the potency and irritant action, Baliospermum is used only under traditional guidance in carefully prepared formulations.

Dosage

Highly preparation- and tradition-specific. In Ayurveda, doses are very small (e.g., a few hundred milligrams of properly processed root) and used under supervision.

When and how to take it

Not appropriate for self-administration. Used under traditional medical supervision only.

1 commercial form

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Processed root or seed

Used only in classical Ayurvedic formulations.

Variable; depends on traditional processing

Safety

Baliospermum is a strong purgative. Unprocessed seeds can be toxic and irritating. Side effects include severe abdominal cramping, vomiting, and dehydration. Phorbol esters are tumor-promoting in some research contexts. Self-use is not recommended.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, the elderly, and people with GI conditions. Should only be used by experienced practitioners of traditional medicine.

Interactions

Strong laxative effects can cause potassium loss and interact with drugs sensitive to potassium balance (digoxin, diuretics). Reduced absorption of other oral medications.

Frequently asked questions

Should I take Baliospermum as a supplement?⌄

No. It is a strong purgative used only in traditional medical contexts under supervision.

Is it safe?⌄

Improperly processed material can be toxic. Even properly processed material is strongly purgative and should not be used casually.

References

Baliospermum on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Baliospermum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Baliospermum (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.