Overview
The plant is known as Karanja in Sanskrit and is commonly referred to as Indian Beech.
Botanical Name
Pongamia pinnata
Family
Fabaceae
Regional Names
- Bengali: Dahar Kanja
- Gujarati: Kanjo
- Hindi: Karanja
- Punjabi: Suchchaina
- Tamil: Punku
- Telugu: Pungu, Kanuguchettu
- English: Indian Beech
Classification (Gana)
Aacharya Charaka: Katu Skandha, Kandughna Mahakashaya
Aacharya Sushruta: Varunadi, Arkadi, Shyamadi, Kaphasansamana, Aargavadhadi
Bhavprakash Nighantu: Aargvadhadi, Varunadi, Arkadi, Shyamadi
External Morphology
5-15 meter high tree
Useful Parts
- Root
- Stem Bark
- Leaves
- Seed
- Twig
- Seed Oil
Important Phytoconstituents
- Karanjin
- Pongapin
- Kanjone
- Lonchocarpin
- Isonchocarpin
- Chromene
Rasa Panchak
- Rasa: Tikta, Katu, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Tikshna
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Action
Kaphavatahara
Therapeutic Indications
- Bhedana: Purgative
- Sothahra: Anti-inflammatory
- Arshoghna: Useful in piles
- Krimighna: Anti-helminthic
- Kusthaghna: Useful in skin disorders
Therapeutic Uses
- Dusta Vrana: Root paste is applied to chronic non-healing wounds.
- Madhumeha: Cold infusion of flowers decreases blood sugar.
- Twakaroga: Oil prepared with bark is beneficial in skin diseases.
- Raktarsha: Root powder with Gaumutra is beneficial in bleeding piles.
Dose
- Bark Powder: 1-3 gm
- Seed Powder: 0.5-1 gm
- Root Juice: 2-3 ml
Formulations
- Karanja Taila
- Karnjadhya Ghrita
- Karanjadi Churna
Adverse Effect
Not Known
Remedial Measures
Not Required