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Dridhabala (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox plant | name = Karanja | image = Pongamia_pinnata.jpg | image_caption = Foliage and flowers of ''Pongamia pinnata'' (Indian beech) | binomial_name = ''Pongamia pinnata'' (L.) Pierre | family = Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) | common_names = Indian beech, Pongam oil tree | synonyms = ''Naktamala'', ''Chirabilvaka'' }} '''Karanja''' (Latin: ''Pongamia pinnata'' Pierre, English: '''Indian beech''') is a m..." |
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# '''Karanji''' | # '''Karanji''' | ||
=== According to Raja Nighantu === | === According to Raja Nighantu === | ||
# '''Karanja''' | # '''Karanja''' | ||
# '''Ghrita Karanja''' | # '''Ghrita Karanja''' | ||
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# '''Putikaranja''' | # '''Putikaranja''' | ||
# '''Guccha Karanja''' | # '''Guccha Karanja''' | ||
# '''Ritha Karanja''' | # '''Ritha Karanja'''<ref name="RajaNighantu">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, ''Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari''. Edition 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Prabhadradi varga, verse no. 62, 64, 67, 68, 70, 72.</ref> | ||
== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties == | == Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties == | ||
| Line 62: | Line 62: | ||
! Sr. No. !! Reference in Charaka Samhita !! Activity / Formulation / Indication | ! Sr. No. !! Reference in Charaka Samhita !! Activity / Formulation / Indication | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 || | | 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/3 || Formulations used for local external application | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2 || | | 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/13 || Rasanjanadi formulation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 3 || | | 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/14 || Haridradi formulation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 4 || | | 4 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/15 || Manahshiladi formulation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 5 || | | 5 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/73 || Used as a tooth-cleaning twig (toothbrush / ''Dantadhavana'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 6 || | | 6 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/10 || Classification as vegetable/plant sources of lipids (''Sneha Dravya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 7 || | | 7 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 14/31 || Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (''Nadi Sweda'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 8 || | | 8 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 14/43 || Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (''Nadi Sweda'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 9 || | | 9 || Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 2/4 || Mentioned in context as an etiological factor in bleeding disorders (''Raktapitta'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 10 || | | 10 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 7/17 || Used in the management and treatment of parasitic infestations (''Krumi Roga'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 11 || | | 11 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/48 || Ingredient of therapeutic formulations used in skin diseases (''Kushtha'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 12 || | | 12 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/56 || Ingredient of formulations used in the treatment of skin diseases (''Kushtha'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 13 || | | 13 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/91 || Ingredient of ''Siddharthaka Snana'' (medicated bath) for dermatoses | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 14 || | | 14 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/93 || Used as an external application (''Lepa'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 15 || | | 15 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/94 || Used as an external application (''Lepa'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 16 || | | 16 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/111 || Ingredient of ''Kanakaksheeri Tailam'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 17 || | | 17 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/119 || Formulation drug (''Yoga Dravya'') used in skin diseases (''Kushtha'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 18 || | | 18 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/152 || Ingredient of ''Maha Khadira Ghrita'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 19 || | | 19 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/158 || Formulation drug used in parasitic / infective dermatoses (''Krumi Kushtha'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 20 || | | 20 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/44 || Used in nasal errhines / errhine therapy (''Nasya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 21 || | | 21 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/67 || Ingredient of medicated water used for therapeutic baths | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 22 || | | 22 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/57 || Formulation drug used for external therapeutic application | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 23 || | | 23 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/101 || Formulation drug in the treatment of hemorrhoids associated with constipation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 24 || | | 24 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/179 || Ingredient in alkaline preparations (''Kshara Kalpana'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 25 || | | 25 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 21/137 || Formulation drug used in the treatment of cystic erysipelas (''Granthi Visarpa'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 26 || | | 26 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/69 || Formulation drug utilized for nasal administration (''Nasya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 27 || | | 27 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/70 || Ingredient of ''Gandhahasti Agada'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 28 || | | 28 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/79 || Ingredient of ''Mahagandhahastinama Agada'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 29 || | | 29 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/209 || Formulation drug used in scorpion bite poisoning | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 30 || | | 30 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/216 || Formulation drug used in the treatment of house lizard venom poisoning | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 31 || | | 31 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/246 || Ingredient of ''Amrita Ghrita'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 32 || | | 32 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/57 || Formulation drug used in the treatment of Kaphaja dysuria (''Kaphaja Mutrakruccha'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 33 || | | 33 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/154 || Formulation drug used in Kaphaja coryza and chronic rhinitis (''Dushta Pratishyaya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 34 || | | 34 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/186 || Formulation drug in Kaphaja, Sannipatika, and parasite-induced head disorders (''Shiroroga'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 35 || | | 35 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/34 || Used as a formulation drug (''Yoga Dravya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 36 || | | 36 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/49 || Used as an external application (''Lepa'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 37 || | | 37 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/57 || Used as an external application (''Lepa'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 38 || | | 38 || Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 11/11 || Classified as a purgative / therapeutic evacuation drug (''Virechana Dravya'') | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 39 || [[Charaka Samhita]] [[Kalpa Sthana]] 11/14 || Ingredient of medicated ghee (''Ghrita'') preparation | | 39 || [[Charaka Samhita]] [[Kalpa Sthana]] 11/14 || Ingredient of medicated ghee (''Ghrita'') preparation | ||
Latest revision as of 17:01, 26 August 2026
Karanja (Latin: Pongamia pinnata Pierre, English: Indian beech) is a medium-sized deciduous or evergreen tree belonging to the family Fabaceae (traditionally Papilionaceae). In Ayurveda, it is celebrated for its potent anthelmintic (Krumighna), wound-cleansing and healing (Vrana Shodhana), and dermatological (Kushthaghna) properties.[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Botanical Name: Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
- Family: Papilionaceae (Fabaceae)
- English Name: Indian beech
- Sanskrit / Classical Name: Karanja
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Karanja – The flowers of Karanja are curved/shaped like nails.
- Naktamala – The flowers bloom/blossom during the night.
- Chirabilvaka
Varieties
Classical texts recognize several varieties of Karanja:
According to Bhavaprakash Nighantu
- Ghrita Karanja
- Kantakari Karanja
- Karanji
According to Raja Nighantu
- Karanja
- Ghrita Karanja
- Mahakaranja
- Putikaranja
- Guccha Karanja
- Ritha Karanja[3]
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Karanja are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Sharp (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Krumijit (anthelmintic / antiparasitic), Kushthaghna (cures skin diseases), Kaphavatahara (pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas), Vrana Shodhana (cleanses and purifies wounds/ulcers) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Karanja is extensively mentioned in the Charaka Samhita across various clinical contexts and formulations:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Indication |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/3 | Formulations used for local external application |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/13 | Rasanjanadi formulation |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/14 | Haridradi formulation |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/15 | Manahshiladi formulation |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/73 | Used as a tooth-cleaning twig (toothbrush / Dantadhavana) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 13/10 | Classification as vegetable/plant sources of lipids (Sneha Dravya) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 14/31 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 14/43 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 2/4 | Mentioned in context as an etiological factor in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/17 | Used in the management and treatment of parasitic infestations (Krumi Roga) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/48 | Ingredient of therapeutic formulations used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/56 | Ingredient of formulations used in the treatment of skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/91 | Ingredient of Siddharthaka Snana (medicated bath) for dermatoses |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/93 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/94 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/111 | Ingredient of Kanakaksheeri Tailam |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/119 | Formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/152 | Ingredient of Maha Khadira Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/158 | Formulation drug used in parasitic / infective dermatoses (Krumi Kushtha) |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/44 | Used in nasal errhines / errhine therapy (Nasya) |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/67 | Ingredient of medicated water used for therapeutic baths |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/57 | Formulation drug used for external therapeutic application |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/101 | Formulation drug in the treatment of hemorrhoids associated with constipation |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/179 | Ingredient in alkaline preparations (Kshara Kalpana) |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/137 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of cystic erysipelas (Granthi Visarpa) |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/69 | Formulation drug utilized for nasal administration (Nasya) |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 | Ingredient of Gandhahasti Agada |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 | Ingredient of Mahagandhahastinama Agada |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/209 | Formulation drug used in scorpion bite poisoning |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/216 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of house lizard venom poisoning |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/246 | Ingredient of Amrita Ghrita |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/57 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of Kaphaja dysuria (Kaphaja Mutrakruccha) |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/154 | Formulation drug used in Kaphaja coryza and chronic rhinitis (Dushta Pratishyaya) |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/186 | Formulation drug in Kaphaja, Sannipatika, and parasite-induced head disorders (Shiroroga) |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/34 | Used as a formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/49 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/57 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 11/11 | Classified as a purgative / therapeutic evacuation drug (Virechana Dravya) |
| 39 | Charaka Samhita Kalpa Sthana 11/14 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita) preparation |
Therapeutic Uses
Karanja is clinically indicated for:[1]
- Vrana (Wounds, ulcers, and non-healing lesions)
- Krumi (Helminthiasis, worm infestations, and microbes)
- Kustha (Dermatological conditions, leprosy, and stubborn skin diseases)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 0.25 g of the drug powder.[1]
- Decoction (Kwatha): 5 – 10 g of the crude drug for preparing decoctions.[1]
Important Formulations
- Aragvadhadi Kwatha Churna
- Pathyadi Lepa
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
- Geographical Distribution: Distributed throughout India, frequently growing along riverbanks, lakes, streams, and tidal forests.
Current Research
- Phytochemical profile & research database: IMPPAT Phytochemical Profile: Pongamia pinnata
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1: 40.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Guduchyadi varga, verse no. 119–120.
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Edition 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Prabhadradi varga, verse no. 62, 64, 67, 68, 70, 72.