Karanja
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre)
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Manjishtha |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Synonyms: Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi, Pongamia glabra Vent. |
| Family | Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Karanja (Latin: Pongamia pinnata Pierre, English: Indian beech) is a medium-sized deciduous or evergreen tree belonging to the family Fabaceae (traditionally Papilionaceae). In Ayurveda, it is celebrated for its potent anthelmintic (Krumighna), wound-cleansing and healing (Vrana Shodhana), and dermatological (Kushthaghna) properties.[1]
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Karanja – The flowers of Karanja are curved/shaped like nails.
- Naktamala – The flowers bloom/blossom during the night.
- Chirabilvaka
- Plant Parts Used: Seeds, seed oil, leaves, stem bark, flowers, and roots.
Varieties
Classical texts recognize several varieties of Karanja:
According to Bhavaprakash Nighantu
- Ghrita Karanja
- Kantakari Karanja
- Karanji
According to Raja Nighantu
- Karanja
- Ghrita Karanja
- Mahakaranja
- Putikaranja
- Guccha Karanja
- Ritha Karanja[3]
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Karanja are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Sharp (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Krumijit (anthelmintic / antiparasitic), Kushthaghna (cures skin diseases), Kaphavatahara (pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas), Vrana Shodhana (cleanses and purifies wounds/ulcers) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Karanja is extensively mentioned in the Charaka Samhita across various clinical contexts and formulations:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Indication |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/3 | Formulations used for local external application |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/13 | Rasanjanadi formulation |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/14 | Haridradi formulation |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/15 | Manahshiladi formulation |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/73 | Used as a tooth-cleaning twig (toothbrush / Dantadhavana) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 13/10 | Classification as vegetable/plant sources of lipids (Sneha Dravya) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 14/31 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 14/43 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 2/4 | Mentioned in context as an etiological factor in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/17 | Used in the management and treatment of parasitic infestations (Krumi Roga) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/48 | Ingredient of therapeutic formulations used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/56 | Ingredient of formulations used in the treatment of skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/91 | Ingredient of Siddharthaka Snana (medicated bath) for dermatoses |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/93 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/94 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/111 | Ingredient of Kanakaksheeri Tailam |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/119 | Formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/152 | Ingredient of Maha Khadira Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/158 | Formulation drug used in parasitic / infective dermatoses (Krumi Kushtha) |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/44 | Used in nasal errhines / errhine therapy (Nasya) |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/67 | Ingredient of medicated water used for therapeutic baths |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/57 | Formulation drug used for external therapeutic application |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/101 | Formulation drug in the treatment of hemorrhoids associated with constipation |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/179 | Ingredient in alkaline preparations (Kshara Kalpana) |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/137 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of cystic erysipelas (Granthi Visarpa) |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/69 | Formulation drug utilized for nasal administration (Nasya) |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 | Ingredient of Gandhahasti Agada |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 | Ingredient of Mahagandhahastinama Agada |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/209 | Formulation drug used in scorpion bite poisoning |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/216 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of house lizard venom poisoning |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/246 | Ingredient of Amrita Ghrita |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/57 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of Kaphaja dysuria (Kaphaja Mutrakruccha) |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/154 | Formulation drug used in Kaphaja coryza and chronic rhinitis (Dushta Pratishyaya) |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/186 | Formulation drug in Kaphaja, Sannipatika, and parasite-induced head disorders (Shiroroga) |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/34 | Used as a formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/49 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/57 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 11/11 | Classified as a purgative / therapeutic evacuation drug (Virechana Dravya) |
| 39 | Charaka Samhita Kalpa Sthana 11/14 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita) preparation |
Therapeutic Uses
Karanja is clinically indicated for:[1]
- Vrana (Wounds, ulcers, and non-healing lesions)
- Krumi (Helminthiasis, worm infestations, and microbes)
- Kushtha (Dermatological conditions, leprosy, and stubborn skin diseases)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 0.25 g of the drug powder.[1]
- Decoction (Kwatha): 5 – 10 g of the crude drug for preparing decoctions.[1]
Important Formulations
- Aragvadhadi Kwatha Churna
- Pathyadi Lepa
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
- Geographical Distribution: Distributed throughout India, frequently growing along riverbanks, lakes, streams, and tidal forests.
Current Research
Major Phytochemical Profile
The therapeutic potential of P. pinnata is predominantly attributed to its rich content of furanoflavones and polyphenolic compounds:
- Furanoflavones: Karanjin, pongamol, pongapin, kanjone, and pongaglabrone.
- Fixed Oils: Oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and ricinoleic acid isolated from seed oil.
- Flavonoids & Polyphenols: Quercetin, kaempferol, and condensed tannins present in the leaves and bark.
Pharmacological Properties & Scientific Evidence
Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Efficacy
- Mechanisms: Oral or topical administration of P. pinnata extracts suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-2) pathways, and stabilizes lysosomal membranes.
- Evidence: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. pinnata stem bark and leaves have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute (carrageenan-induced paw edema) and chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) animal models.[4] Notably, stem bark extracts demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects without producing gastric mucosal lesions or ulceration typical of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).[5]
Antimicrobial & Antifungal Activity
- Mechanisms: Active principles such as karanjin and pongamol disrupt microbial cell membrane integrity and inhibit bacterial cell invasion.
- Evidence: Crude extracts and seed oil display broad-spectrum activity against pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.[6] Seed oil formulations have proven effective against dermatophytes (such as Trichophyton rubrum) and Candida albicans, validating traditional applications in managing scabies and eczema. Leaf decoctions also exhibit selective antidiarrheal action by inhibiting cholera toxin production and protecting epithelial cells against invasion.[7]
Antidiabetic & Metabolic Regulation
- Mechanisms: Enhances peripheral glucose utilization, inhibits $\alpha$-glucosidase and $\alpha$-amylase enzymes, and decreases lipid peroxidation in pancreatic islet cells.
- Evidence: Administration of ethanolic leaf and flower extracts produces significant antihyperglycemic effects in diabetic models, restoring plasma glucose levels and tissue antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) comparable to standard glibenclamide treatment.[8][9]
Antioxidant & Cytoprotective Properties
- Mechanisms: Direct free radical scavenging (DPPH, superoxide, ABTS) mediated by high polyphenolic concentrations.
- Evidence: Leaf and root extracts exhibit strong free radical scavenging capacity, marked by reduced concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA)—a key marker of oxidative stress and tissue damage.
Wound Healing Efficacy
- Evidence: Topically applied seed oil and leaf pastes accelerate wound retraction and epithelialization in excision wound models by facilitating collagen synthesis and minimizing secondary dermal bacterial infections.
Safety Profile & Toxicity
- Acute Toxicity: Stem bark and aqueous leaf extracts exhibit a high margin of safety, showing no acute toxicity or mortality at oral doses up to 8,000 mg/kg in rodent toxicity screens.[4][5]
- Precautions: Unrefined seed oil contains bitter furanoflavones (principally karanjin) that can induce gastrointestinal irritation if ingested without standard processing or purification.
Summary Table of Therapeutic Indications
| Target Indication | Active Plant Part | Experimental / Clinical Focus | Primary References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory Conditions | Stem Bark / Leaves | Paw edema, granuloma models (non-ulcerogenic) | Srinivasan et al., 2001;[4] Smitha et al., 2010[5] |
| Dermal & Fungal Infections | Seed Oil / Seeds | S. aureus, C. albicans, Dermatophytes | Bajpai et al., 2009[6] |
| Enteric Pathogens & Diarrhea | Leaf Extract | Inhibition of cholera toxin production & invasion | Brijesh et al., 2006[7] |
| Hyperglycemia & Diabetes | Flowers / Leaves | OGTT, Alloxan-induced diabetes models | Punitha & Manoharan, 2006;[8] Sikarwar & Patil, 2010[9] |
External links
- Phytochemical profile & research database: IMPPAT Phytochemical Profile: Pongamia pinnata
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1: 40.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Guduchyadi varga, verse no. 119–120.
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Edition 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Prabhadradi varga, verse no. 62, 64, 67, 68, 70, 72.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Srinivasan K, Muruganandan S, Lal J, Chandra S, Tandan SK, Prakash VR (2001). "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Pongamia pinnata leaves in rats". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 78 (2–3): 151–157. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00335-3.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Smitha GN, et al. (2010). "Anti-inflammatory activity of Pongamia Pinnata stem bark in rats". Journal of Pharmacy Research. 3 (4): 818–820.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Bajpai VK, et al. (2009). "Antibacterial activity of Pongamia pinnata extracts against pathogenic microorganisms". Journal of Applied Biomedicine. 7: 201–208.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Brijesh S, Daswani P, Tetali P, Antarkar RV, Birdi TJ (2006). "Studies on Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre leaves: understanding the mechanism(s) of action in infectious diarrhoea". Journal of Zhejiang University Science B. 7 (8): 665–674. doi:10.1631/jzus.2006.B0665.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Punitha R, Manoharan S (2006). "Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre flowers in alloxan induced diabetic rats". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 105 (1–2): 39–46. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.09.043.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sikarwar MS, Patil MB (2010). "Antidiabetic activity of Pongamia pinnata leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats". International Journal of Ayurveda Research. 1 (4): 199–204. doi:10.4103/0974-7788.76780.