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