Pongamia pinnata: Phytochemical constituents, Traditional uses and Pharmacological properties: A review

Abstract

Many herbal remedies individually or in combination have been recommended in various medical treatises for the cure of diff erent diseases. Th e Pongamia pinnata, commonly known as ‘Karanj’, has been recognized in diff erent system of traditional medicines for the treatment of diff erent diseases and ailments of human beings. It contains several phytoconstituents belonging to category fl avonoids and fi xed oils. Th e fruits and sprouts of P. pinnata were used in folk remedies for abdominal tumours in India, the seeds for keloid tumours in Sri Lanka and a powder derived from the plant for tumours in Vietnam. In Sanskritic India, seeds were used for skin aliments. Today, the oil is used as a liniment for rheumatism. Leaves are active against Micrococcus; their juice is used for cold, cough,
diarrhoea, dyspepsia, fl atulence, gonorrhoea and leprosy. Roots are used for cleaning gums, teeth and ulcers. Bark is used internally for bleeding piles. Juices from the plant as well as oil are antiseptic. In the traditional systems of medicines, such as Ayurveda and Unani, the P. pinnata plant is used for anti-infl ammatory, anti-plasmodial, anti-nonciceptive, anti-hyperglycaemics, anti-lipidoxidative, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperammonic and antioxidant. Its oil is a source of biodiesel. It has also alternative source of energy,
which is renewable, safe and non-pollutant.
Key words: Karanj, Pongamia pinnata, phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological properties