करञ्ज

• 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