Talk:Karanja
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 ===[3]
- Karanja
- Ghrita Karanja
- Mahakaranja
- Putikaranja
- Guccha Karanja
- Ritha Karanja
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 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 3/3 | Formulations used for local external application |
| 2 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 3/13 | Rasanjanadi formulation |
| 3 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 3/14 | Haridradi formulation |
| 4 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 3/15 | Manahshiladi formulation |
| 5 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 5/73 | Used as a tooth-cleaning twig (toothbrush / Dantadhavana) |
| 6 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 13/10 | Classification as vegetable/plant sources of lipids (Sneha Dravya) |
| 7 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 14/31 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 8 | Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 14/43 | Ingredient of decoction used for steam fomentation (Nadi Sweda) |
| 9 | Charaka Samhita Nidana Sthana 2/4 | Mentioned in context as an etiological factor in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 10 | Charaka Samhita Vimana Sthana 7/17 | Used in the management and treatment of parasitic infestations (Krumi Roga) |
| 11 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/48 | Ingredient of therapeutic formulations used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 12 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/56 | Ingredient of formulations used in the treatment of skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 13 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/91 | Ingredient of Siddharthaka Snana (medicated bath) for dermatoses |
| 14 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/93 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 15 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/94 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 16 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/111 | Ingredient of Kanakaksheeri Tailam |
| 17 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/119 | Formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) used in skin diseases (Kushtha) |
| 18 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/152 | Ingredient of Maha Khadira Ghrita |
| 19 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 7/158 | Formulation drug used in parasitic / infective dermatoses (Krumi Kushtha) |
| 20 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 10/44 | Used in nasal errhines / errhine therapy (Nasya) |
| 21 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 12/67 | Ingredient of medicated water used for therapeutic baths |
| 22 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 14/57 | Formulation drug used for external therapeutic application |
| 23 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 14/101 | Formulation drug in the treatment of hemorrhoids associated with constipation |
| 24 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15/179 | Ingredient in alkaline preparations (Kshara Kalpana) |
| 25 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 21/137 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of cystic erysipelas (Granthi Visarpa) |
| 26 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/69 | Formulation drug utilized for nasal administration (Nasya) |
| 27 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 | Ingredient of Gandhahasti Agada |
| 28 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 | Ingredient of Mahagandhahastinama Agada |
| 29 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/209 | Formulation drug used in scorpion bite poisoning |
| 30 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/216 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of house lizard venom poisoning |
| 31 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 23/246 | Ingredient of Amrita Ghrita |
| 32 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 26/57 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of Kaphaja dysuria (Kaphaja Mutrakruccha) |
| 33 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 26/154 | Formulation drug used in Kaphaja coryza and chronic rhinitis (Dushta Pratishyaya) |
| 34 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 26/186 | Formulation drug in Kaphaja, Sannipatika, and parasite-induced head disorders (Shiroroga) |
| 35 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 27/34 | Used as a formulation drug (Yoga Dravya) |
| 36 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 27/49 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 37 | Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 27/57 | Used as an external application (Lepa) |
| 38 | Charaka Samhita 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
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.