# Danti

> Danti (Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Euphorbiaceae family. Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a Virechana (purgative) drug; classified under Upavisha (semi-toxic) category in some texts requiring mandatory purification.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.
- **Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a Virechana (purgative) drug; classified under Upavisha (semi-toxic) category in some texts requiring mandatory purification

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Danti |
| Latin/Botanical | *Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Phorbol esters (diterpene esters - purgative principle)
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (6.2-9.5%)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (35.63-43.33%)
- Phenolics (38.43-43.44%)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (13.26-18.3%)
- [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) (25.36-33.4%) and [saponins](/reference/saponins/) (9.9-13.2%)

## How does it work?

- Purgative (Virechana) action through phorbol ester-mediated stimulation of intestinal secretion and peristalsis via protein kinase C activation
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activity via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines by terpenoid and flavonoid fractions
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effect through phenolic and flavonoid-mediated [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection and restoration of liver enzyme levels
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through stimulation of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Strong purgative (Tikshna Virechana) - validated through phorbol ester-mediated stimulant [laxative](/reference/laxative/) mechanism; used in Panchakarma Virechana therapy
- Skin diseases and leprosy (Kushtha) - [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and anti-inflammatory data support traditional dermatological use
- Anti-helminthic (Krimighna) - confirmed in vitro anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma
- Anti-dropsy and edema (Shotha-hara) - traditional use supported by [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and anti-inflammatory pharmacological data

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Jagannath S, Konappa N, Lokesh A and others 2021. [Bioactive compounds guided diversity of endophytic fungi from Baliospermum montanum and their potential extracellular enzymes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33245903/). *Analytical biochemistry*. PMID [33245903](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33245903/) · [doi:10.1016/j.ab.2020.114024](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ab.2020.114024)  
  Explored endophytic fungi from B. montanum as sources of bioactive compounds, identifying novel antimicrobial and anticancer metabolites produced by fungal endophytes.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Classified as a strong purgative (Tikshna Virechana Dravya) in Ayurveda; must be used only under qualified practitioner supervision with proper dose calculation based on patient constitution
- Latex and seeds are highly irritant; can cause severe purgation, abdominal cramps, and dehydration if misused; not recommended during pregnancy, for children, or in debilitated patients; Shodhana (purification) is mandatory before internal use

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Kwath (decoction), Bhasma preparation, Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder as purgative (single dose); 500mg-1g for mild laxative effect; use under practitioner supervision due to potent action

**Bioavailability:** Contains phorbol esters and diterpenoids with moderate oral bioavailability. The resinous purgative principles are released in the GI tract and act locally on intestinal mucosa. Systemic absorption of toxic [diterpenes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diterpenes) can cause adverse effects at high doses. Co-processing with Shodhan (purification with cow's milk or Kanji) reduces toxic constituents while preserving laxative activity. No significant enhancement strategies needed for purgative action as local GI activity is the target.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach with warm water for purgative action; at bedtime for milder laxative effect

**Standardized Extract:** Shodhita (purified) root extract; no standardized commercial extract widely available. Traditional preparation as Churna or Kwath from Shodhita root material. Phorbol ester content must be below safety threshold post-Shodhana.

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (Shodhita powder); 2 years (tablet with moisture barrier packaging)

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Label must clearly state 'Shodhita' (purified) and carry appropriate caution warnings. Keep out of reach of children.

**Marker Compounds:** 12-Deoxyphorbol esters (for toxicity monitoring, must be reduced post-Shodhana), [Montanin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#montanin), Baliospermin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Shodhana (purification) processing mandatory before use
- Aqueous decoction after Shodhana
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) of purified root
- Cold maceration in buttermilk (traditional)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Trivrit](/herb/trivrit/) (Operculina turpethum) in [Avipattikar](/herb/avipattikar/) Churna for graded purgation
- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for balanced bowel regulation
- With Sunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) to reduce griping pain during purgation
- With [Yavani](/herb/yavani/) (Trachyspermum) to prevent colic

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/danti/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.