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Introduction
Internal Consumption
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
External Use
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Karanja

Karanja is a medicinal herb mainly used for skin disorders. All parts of Karanja tree (roots, flowers, leaves, bark) are used for medicinal purposes.
Karanja is widely used in managing constipation as it helps to improve gut motility and has a laxative property. It might also be used for piles due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to Ayurveda, Karanja oil is mainly applied on the skin to manage boils and eczema as well as heal wounds due to its Ropan (healing) and antimicrobial property. The paste of its leaves can also be applied on cuts and wounds to help promote healing. Karanja oil is also useful in arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Regularly bathing with Karanja leaf infusion helps to manage pain and inflammation.
Karanja stem has been used for cleaning teeth and strengthen gums since ancient times[1][2].

What are the synonyms of Karanja?

Pongamia pinnata, Indian beech, Pongam oil tree, Karanj, Honge, Karajata, Pungai, Kanuga, Karach, Naktamala, Magul karanda, Sukh Chain, Ghrtakarauja, Karanjaka, Naktahva, Dahara, Natakaranja, Korach, Hulagilu, Naktamala, Kantaki, Kanaji[2].

What is the source of Karanja?

Plant Based

Precautions when using Karanja

Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Karanja oil in small quantity if you have acidity and other gastric problems since it is hot in potency.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Karanja during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Karanja during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Karanja

  • Karanja Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
  • Karanja Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.

How to use Karanja

1. Karanja Churna
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Karanja churna.
b. Mix it with honey or take with water after taking meals twice a day.

2. Karanja Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Karanja capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after meals twice a day.

Precautions when using Karanja

Allergy
Ayurvedic View
1. Use Karanja root juice or leaves paste with rose water due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
2. Use Karanja oil with coconut oil if your skin is hypersensitive.
3. Avoid the application of Karanja oil on the face.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before using Karanja oil externally during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Karanja

  • Karanja Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
  • Karanja Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

How to use Karanja

1. Karanja Oil
a. Take 3-5 drops of Karanja oil and mix with coconut oil.
b. Apply on the affected area 1-2 times a day to get rid of boils, eczema and other skin infections.

2. Karanja Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Karanja powder.
b. Add honey to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 10-15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to control fungal infections.

3. A poultice of paste Karanja leaves
a. Make a poultice (substances that is wrapped in a piece of cloth, heated and placed on the skin) of paste Karanja leaves.
b. Apply on the affected area 1-2 times a day.
c. Repeat to get relief from pain and swelling.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Karanja is available in the market in various forms such as:
1. Oil
2. Powder (Churna)
3. Kwath
4. Capsules
Average Price of Karanja oil is about Rs 100 per litre.
Modern Science View
The shelf life of Karanja oil is 2 years.
Modern Science View
Karanja seeds have been traditionally used internally for leprosy. Karanja oil contains certain constituent (Karanjin) which possess antileprotic activity. Karanja oil also helps in quick healing of leprotic wounds when applied topically[11][13].
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact Karanja helps to relieve constipation due to its laxative nature. Karanja also improves digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja may be useful in managing the symptoms of arthritis. Certain compounds present in Karanja have anti-inflammatory property. They inhibit the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. Also, Karanja leaves contain certain compounds that have pain-reducing property. Bathing with a hot infusion of Karanja leaves may reduce arthritis pain[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja may be useful in managing fever. Karanja has antipyretic (reduces fever) and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to this, it reduces as well as prevents fever. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation and pain associated with fever[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja may be useful in managing piles. It has digestive, laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. Certain compounds present in Karanja aid the bowel movement and help in easy excretion of stool[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja may be useful in reducing the risk of ulcers. It reduces the production of acid and other factors that contribute to ulcer-formation. Additionally, it increases the production of mucosal cells as well as the secretion of mucin that protects the lining of the stomach[2][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja might help manage constipation. Karanja contains certain compounds that enhance gut motility[3].
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Karanja to stop vomiting[10].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific data is not available to support the use of Karanja for urinary disease, traditionally the fruits of Karanja were used to manage urinary and vaginal discharges. Karanja oil was also used internally to manage various urinary disorders[11].
Ayurvedic View
Karanja can cause rashes due to its Ushna (hot) nature. So, Karanja should be used with rose water or coconut oil.
Modern Science View
Karanja has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities due to which it can be used to manage the pain in case of cuts and bruises. It reduces the production of inflammation-causing chemicals thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Moreover, due to the antimicrobial activity of Karanja, the wound healing process is accelerated by reducing the risk of infection at the site[7].
Modern Science View
Karanja oil contains many medicinal properties and is used in various skin diseases like itches, eczema, abscess etc. It controls bleeding when applied to a wound and prevents dandruff. It is also used as an antiseptic, insect repellent and can be applied to pets to get rid of ticks and mites[8][9].
Modern Science View
Karanja oil is used for healthy hair growth and scalp related problems. Mixing Karanja oil in an equal quantity of Neem oil helps control dandruff. Washing the head with a few drops of Karanja oil mixed in shampoo helps to get rid of head lice in children. It is also used as an ingredient in hair oil for baldness[9-11].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific data is not available to support the use of Karanja in dental diseases, however in ancient times, the stem of Karanja was used as a toothbrush to get relief from toothache[14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karanja oil can be used for psoriasis as it contains active constituents (flavonoids) which has antipsoriatic activity. Karanja oil mixed with 10% Neem oil is very effective against psoriasis and eczema[9][12].

References

  1. 1
    Chopade VV, Tankar AN , Pande VV,et al.Pongamia pinnata: Phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological properties: A review.International Journal of Green Pharmacy.2008;2(2):72-75.
  2. 2
    Yadav RD, Jain SK, Prajapati A.Pongamia pinnata: An overview.Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.2011;3(3):494-500.
  3. 3
    Singh KD, Chetia D.Phytochemical screening and gut motility activity of Pongamia pinnata bark in experimental animal models.International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences.2013;4(1):63-69.
  4. 4
    Bansod MG, Kagathara VG, Somkuwar AD.Evaluation of analgesics and anti-inflammatory activity of a poly-herbal formulation.Int J PharmTech Res.2010;2(2).1520-1527.
  5. 5
    Pillai N, Vijayamma N.Some pharmacological actions of Pongamia pinnata linn (Karanja).Anc Sci Life.1988;8(2):133-137.
  6. 6
    Prabha T, Dorababu M, Goel S, Agarwal PK, Singh A, Joshi VK, et al.Effect of methanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata Linn seed on gastro-duodenal ulceration and mucosal offensive and defensive factors in rats.Indian J Exp Biol.2008;41(4):304-310.
  7. 7
    Badole SL, Zanwar AA, Ghule AE, Ghosh P, Bodhankar SL.Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of alcoholic extract of stem bark of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre.Biomed Aging Pathol.2012;2(1):19-23.
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  14. 14
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.