Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) Karanja, Honge

Karanja seed oil is most notably used to treat skin infections, wounds, eczema, scabies, and lice due to its potent, broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Pongamia pinnata (Indian Beech)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Syn. Millettia pinnata)

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Genus: Pongamia

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Saraca asoca (Ashoka): The paramount uterine tonic and women's health herb.

· Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): The premier demulcent and rejuvenative for respiratory and digestive health.

· Abrus precatorius (Gunja): A highly toxic seed used in minute, processed doses for neurological and ophthalmic conditions.

· Senna auriculata (Avartaki): A key herb for diabetes and skin diseases in Ayurveda.

This genus belongs to the vast Fabaceae family, which includes numerous plants with significant nitrogen-fixing abilities and a wide array of bioactive compounds, from nourishing proteins to potent medicinal alkaloids and flavonoids.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pongamia pinnata | English: Indian Beech, Pongam Tree, Honge Tree | Sanskrit: करञ्ज (Karanja), नक्तमाल (Naktamala), गुच्चपुष्प (Guchhapushpa) | Hindi: करंज (Karanj), सुखचेन (Sukhchain) | Tamil: புங்கம் (Pungam), புன்னை (Punnai) | Telugu: కానుగ (Kanuga), పొంగము (Pongamu) | Kannada: ಹೊಂಗೆ (Honge), ಪೊಂಗೆ (Ponge) | Malayalam: പുനം (Punnam), പൂന്തെഴുതി (Poontezhuthi) | Marathi: करंज (Karanj) | Bengali: করঞ্জ (Karanja) | Sinhala: කරංද (Karanda) | Burmese: ကုက္ကို (Kokkio) |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antipruritic (anti-itching), Anthelmintic (de-worming), Wound Healing, Antidiarrheal, Antirheumatic, Blood Purifier (Raktashodhaka).

Medicinal Parts:

The seeds, seed oil, leaves, root bark, and stem bark are all used medicinally.

· Seeds & Seed Oil (Karanja Taila): The most important medicinal parts, especially for skin diseases.

· Leaves: Used for poultices and in decoctions.

· Root Bark & Stem Bark: Used in decoctions for internal cleansing.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Karanjin, Pongapin, Pongamol): These furanoflavonoids are the signature bioactive compounds. Their actions include potent Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal), Anti-inflammatory, and Antipruritic effects. Karanjin is a key marker compound.

Fatty Acids (in seed oil): The oil is rich in oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, which have Emollient properties but also contribute to the oil's Antimicrobial activity when applied topically.

Triterpenoids: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing properties.

Alkaloids & Tannins: Present in the bark and leaves, adding Astringent and Anthelmintic actions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Kushtha (Skin Diseases) & Kandu (Itching)

Formulation: Karanja Taila (medicated oil) for external application.

Preparation & Use: The seed oil, often processed with other herbs, is the classic Ayurvedic remedy for chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, scabies, and rashes with intense itching. It is applied topically or used in medicated baths.

Reasoning: The flavonoids (karanjin) have direct antiparasitic and antifungal effects, while the anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling. The oil's nature helps it penetrate the skin.

Vrana (Wounds) & Dushta Vrana (Chronic Ulcers)

Formulation: Seed oil or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The oil is applied to non-healing wounds and ulcers to cleanse and promote granulation. A paste of fresh leaves is also applied topically for the same purpose.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial action prevents infection, while the wound-healing compounds stimulate tissue repair and reduce exudate.

Krimi (Worms) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Seed powder or bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: Seed kernel powder or a decoction of the bark is given internally in controlled doses to expel intestinal worms and to treat amoebic dysentery and diarrhea.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic and antimicrobial compounds are toxic to parasites and gut pathogens. The tannins provide an astringent effect.

Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Medicated oil for massage or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: Karanja Taila is used for massaging inflamed and painful joints. Warm poultices of the leaves are also applied to arthritic swellings.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help reduce joint inflammation and pain.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The seeds and oil are NOT for culinary use and are bitter and toxic if ingested improperly. The oil is used externally and in traditional medicine. Young shoots and leaves are sometimes used as famine food after detoxification.

Anti-itch & Antifungal Oil Application

Purpose: For eczema, ringworm, or scabies.

Preparation & Use:

1. Cleanse the affected skin area.

2. Apply a thin layer of pure, cold-pressed Karanja oil directly.

3. Gently massage in. Use 2-3 times daily. A patch test is recommended first.

Antiseptic Wound Wash (Bark Decoction)

Purpose: To cleanse infected wounds or ulcers.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil 20 grams of Karanja stem bark in 500 ml of water for 15-20 minutes.

2. Strain and let it cool.

3. Use this decoction to wash the wound 2-3 times daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Pongamia pinnata seeds and crude oil are TOXIC if ingested in significant quantities and can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Internal use of any part should only be undertaken under the strict supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. The medicated oil (Karanja Taila) is for external use only. Even topical use may cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is contraindicated during pregnancy. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Sanskrit Text)

· The Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

· Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

· Similarities: Both are quintessential Ayurvedic herbs for skin diseases (Kushtha), with potent antimicrobial, blood-purifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are often used together in formulations. Neem is more intensely bitter and cooling, while Karanja is more specifically used for its oil.

2. Mallotus philippensis (Kamala Tree)

· Species: Mallotus philippensis | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Mallotus

· Similarities: Both trees produce a red powder (kamala dye from M. philippensis, not from Pongamia) and are used similarly in Ayurveda as anthelmintics and for skin conditions characterized by itching and eruptions.

3. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree)

· Species: Melaleuca alternifolia | Family: Myrtaceae | Genus: Melaleuca

· Similarities: Both are sources of powerful essential oils (Tea Tree oil and Karanja oil) prized in their respective traditions (Australian and Ayurvedic) for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against skin fungi, bacteria, and mites.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-