Karanj - Pongamia pinnata

Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 15–25 meters in height. It has compound pinnate leaves, fragrant purple flowers, and flat brown pods containing oil-rich seeds. Traditionally, Karanj has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Pongamia
Species: Pongamia pinnata

Common Names

English: Indian Beech, Karanja Tree
Sanskrit: Karanja
Hindi: Karanj
Tamil: Pungai
Telugu: Kanuga
Bengali: Karanja
Marathi: Karanj

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Skin Disorders - Karanja oil is traditionally used for eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections.

Wound Healing - The oil and bark extracts help in wound healing and reducing inflammation.

Digestive Health - Used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating constipation and abdominal bloating.

Prevents Hair Fall - Strengthens hair roots and reduces hair fall caused by scalp infections.

Joint and Muscle Pain Relief - Karanja oil is applied topically to alleviate arthritis and muscle pain.

Antimicrobial & Antifungal - The bioactive compounds in Karanj possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Phytochemical Constituents

Karanj contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. Some key phytochemicals include:

Flavonoids: Pongamol, Pinnatin
Fixed Oils: Karanjin, Pongapin
Steroids: β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol
Tannins: Catechins
Glycosides: Pongamoside

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.

Bhavprakash Nighantu, Chapter on Herbal Remedies.

Sahoo, N., & Manchikanti, P. (2013). "Herbal Medicine: Current Status and the Future." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(2), 134-142.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Mishra, A., Kumar, S., Bhatt, G., & Srivastava, S. (2017). "Pongamia pinnata: Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Applications." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 204, 1-15.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.