A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata),
1. Botanical Reference & Nomenclature
Latin Name: Pongamia pinnata Pierre (Synonym: Pongamia glabra Vent.)
Family: Leguminosae (Papilionaceae).
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Kandughna, Virechana, Katukaskandha, Tiktaskandha.
Sushruta Samhita: Aragvadhadi, Varunadi, Arkadi, Shyamadi, Shirovirechana, Kaphasamshamana.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Naktamala, Guchchhapushpaka, Ghritapura, Snigdhapatra, Chirabliva, Prakirya, Nakta.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Dithauri, Karunaini
Marathi: Karanja
Gujarati: Karanja
Telugu: Pungu, Kanak
Tamil: Pongum
Malayalam: Ponnam
Kannada: Honge
English: Indian Beech
2. Botanical Description & Processing (Śodhana & Māraṇa)
Morphology: A medium-sized tree, 25-50 feet tall. Leaves are compound, 8-14 inches long, with glossy, oblong leaflets. Flowers are bluish-white, borne on angular inflorescences. The fruit is a flat, 2-inch long pod, curved backwards with a pointed apex. Each pod contains a single reniform (kidney-shaped), reddish, oily seed. Flowers in May-June; fruits in December-January.
Types: Naktamala and Chirabliva constitute Karanjadvaya; with Kantaki Karanja, they form Karanjatraya.
Habitat: Found in the Central and Eastern Himalayas up to 1300 meters, and in the coastal regions of South India.
Part Used: Bark, leaf, and seeds (primary).
Purification (Śodhana): Information on a specific classical purification process (Śodhana) for Karanja is not provided in the source text. Further consultation with classical texts is recommended.
Preservation: Information on specific preservation methods is not provided. Standard practices for drying and storing bark, leaves, and seeds in airtight containers away from moisture would apply.
3. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
Guṇa (Qualities) Laghu (Light), Teekshna (Penetrating)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive Effect) Katu (Pungent)
4. Pharmacological Properties & Therapeutic Indications (Karma-Prayoga)
Dosha Karma: Primarily Kaphaghna (reduces Kapha) and Vataghna (reduces Vata due to its Ushna Virya). However, it is Pittakara (can aggravate Pitta).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Acts as Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), and Bhedana (purgative/laxative) due to its Tikta-Katu Rasa and Ushna-Teekshna properties. Useful in Agnimandya (indigestion), Udavarta (upward movement of Vata), Gulma (abdominal lump), Vibandha (constipation), and Arsha (hemorrhoids). Seed oil is Krimighna (wormicidal).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): As a Kaphaghna, it is used in Kasa (cough), including whooping cough. The powder is used as Nasya (nasal administration) for Kaphaja Shiroroga (headaches due to Kapha) and Suryavarta (a type of headache).
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): Promotes Amapachana (digestion of toxins) in the Rasa Dhatu and acts as a Raktashodhaka (blood purifier). Useful in conditions like Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis).
Mamsavaha & Twak Srotas (Muscular & Integumentary Systems): Highly effective in Kushtha (skin diseases) such as Pama (scabies), Kandu (itching), Vicharchika (eczema), and Dadru (ringworm). It acts as a germicidal Lepa (paste) and cleanses wounds.
Medovaha Srotas (Adipose System): Its Teekshna and Lekhana (scraping) properties make it useful in Granthi (cyst), Arbuda (tumor), Gandamala (scrofula), and Vrushanavriddhi (enlargement of testicles). Fomentation with leaves helps reduce Shotha (swelling) from trauma.
Shukravaha & Artavavaha Srotas (Reproductive System): Internally, it cleanses the Garbhashaya (uterus). Medicated ghee (Siddha Ghrita) is used internally for Phiranga Vrana (syphilitic ulcers).
Primary Actions: Krimighna (Anthelmintic), Vranashodhana-Ropana (Wound cleanser & healer), Kandughna (Antipruritic), Kushthaghna (Antileprotic/Skin disease remedy), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Bhedana (Laxative/Purgative).
5. Dosage, Administration & Important Formulations (Mātrā, Anupāna, Kalpa)
Dosage (Mātrā):
Bark/Leaf Juice: 10 - 20 ml.
Seed Powder (Beeja Churna): 1 - 3 grams.
Anupāna (Vehicle): For internal use, water is common. Specific preparations use adjuvants like Hingu (Asafoetida), Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt), Bidalavana, and Pippali (Long Pepper).
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Karanjadi Churna, Karanjadighrita, Karanjaditalia.
External & Special Applications:
Nasya: Seed powder for headaches.
Lepa: Paste of leaves/bark for skin diseases and swellings.
Dantadhavana: Tender branches are used for brushing teeth and strengthening gums.
Oil Application: Seed oil, often with Camphor, for skin conditions.
6. Toxicology & Safety Profile (Viṣa Lakṣaṇa & Chikitsā)
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in Pittaja conditions due to its Ushna Virya and Pitta-aggravating nature. Should be used with caution in debility, pregnancy, and severe inflammation.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Signs of poisoning from impure herb or overdose are not described in the source text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): A specific traditional antidote is not mentioned in the source text.
7. Modern Scientific Correlates
Chemical Composition: Seeds contain 27-39% fixed oil (Pongamia oil). Key active compounds include the germicidal flavonoids/flavones: Karanjin, Pongamol, and Pongapin.
Research Notes: Modern research confirms significant antibacterial properties.
Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the fresh bark show marked activity against Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus.
The seed oil and its active constituent, Karanjin, possess antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including M. pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, C. diptheriae, Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi A, and E. coli.