Putikaranja (Caesalpinia bonducella)

Putikaranja (Caesalpinia bonducella), commonly known as Fever Nut, is a thorny, straggling shrub found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is known for its greyish seeds enclosed in prickly pods, which are extensively used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. Traditionally, it is used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anti-parasitic agent, making it a valuable herb in managing fevers, digestive issues, and chronic diseases.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Genus: Caesalpinia
Species: Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Roxb.

Common Names

English: Fever Nut, Bonduc Nut
Sanskrit: Putikaranja, Latakaranja, Kantaki Karanja
Hindi: Karanjwa, Katkaranj
Tamil: Kalikattu
Telugu: Gacchakaya
Bengali: Nat Karanja
Malayalam: Kattukaranja
Marathi: Dholkaranj

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Antipyretic and Antimalarial - Seeds are used to treat intermittent fevers, malaria, and typhoid. Acts as a natural febrifuge, reducing high body temperature.

Digestive and Liver Health - Effective in treating intestinal worms, diarrhea, dysentery, and liver disorders. Seeds act as a mild purgative and tonic.

Anti-diabetic Action - Seed extracts help in reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

Reproductive and Urogenital Health - Used to treat spermatorrhea, impotency, and menstrual disorders. Strengthens reproductive system and promotes fertility.

Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing - Paste of seed kernels is applied to swollen joints, boils, and skin infections. Leaves are applied topically to treat ulcers and sores.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. IV, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C. (1996). Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 Species, Vol. 1. Orient Longman.

Nadkarni, K.M. (2007). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1. Popular Prakashan.

Sharma, P.C., Yelne, M.B., & Dennis, T.J. (2005). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 3, CCRAS, Govt. of India.

Meena, A.K., Rao, M.M., & Singh, A. (2010). "Medicinal uses of Caesalpinia bonducella – A review". International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Research, 2(3), 104-109.

European Medicines Agency. (2012). Assessment report on Caesalpinia bonducella seeds.

Chopra, R.N., Chopra, I.C., & Handa, K.L. (1958). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (2001). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. II. International Book Distributors.