Karanja
- Botanical Name: Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
- Family: Fabaceae
- Synonyms: Millettia pinnata, Pongamia glabra, Naktamala
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Karanja” in Hindi, “Indian Beech” in English,
and “Pungu” in Telugu.
- Classification: A medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family.
- Habitat: Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India. It thrives in
arid and semi-arid regions, often found along riverbanks and coastal areas.
- Morphology: A tree that grows up to 12–15 meters in height. It has a crooked trunk with
greyish-brown bark, pinnate leaves, and fragrant flowers that are lavender, pink, or white.
The fruits are flat, woody pods containing seeds.
- Useful Parts: Seeds, bark, leaves, and roots.
- Chemical Composition: Contains flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and fatty acids. The
seeds are rich in pongamol and karanjin, which have medicinal properties.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic,
and wound-healing properties. It is used in treating skin disorders, ulcers, and joint pain. The
oil extracted from seeds is used as a natural pesticide and in skincare.
- Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Karanja Taila and herbal remedies for
skin diseases and joint health.
Rasa: Katu , Tikta , Kashya
Guna: Laghu , Tikshan
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu