Scientific Review of Bala Chaturbhadra Churna in Pediatric Practice

Introduction: Balchaturbhadra churna (BC) is a poly-herbal formulation specifically mentioned in multiple pediatric illnesses especially fever, diarrhea,vomiting and cough. The contents include equal proportions of rhizome of Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Cyperaceae), fruit of Piper longum Linn. (Piperaceae), root of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex. Royale. (Ranunculaceae) and gall of Pistacia integerrima Stew. Ex. Brandis. (Anacardiaceae). Aim and objective: To study therapeutic potentials, safety and efficacy of BC in the light of recent research updates. Material and Methods: A systematic search on bala chaturbadra churna in Ayurveda classics and scientific publications were analysed. Discussion: Over all BC predominantly Katu–Tikta Rasa (pungent and bitter taste), katu vipaka (Bio‑transformed Rasa), ushna veerya (hot potency), Guna (properties) like Laghu (light for digestion), ruksha and properties like Deepana (digestant), Pachana (carminative)and grahi (absorptive). Thus it can cure Ama (metabolic moiety), jwara (febrile illness), trishna (thirst), atisara (diarrhea), kasa (cough) and shvasa (Dyspnea). It did not show any toxic effect in in vitro study. Most of the contents of BC researched to have anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immuno-modulatory, anti-asthmatic activity, anti-microbial activity, antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective action and cardioprotective activity. Conclusion: Balchaturbhadra churna is convincingly safe and potent compound formulation for management of pediatric illnesses.