Last verified: April 2026

Karanja

करंज -- Karanja -- "from Kara (ear) -- whose seeds resemble ears; also named for its protecting shade"

Karanja is the second most documented classical Danta Kashtha (tooth-cleaning twig) after Neem, and one of the primary Krimighna (antimicrobial) and Kusthaghna (skin-condition-treating) herbs in classical Ayurveda. Charaka Samhita documents Karanja oil specifically for external skin conditions and wound management. Modern pharmacological research on Karanjin confirms documented antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner (BAMS or MD Ayurveda). Full disclaimer

Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 10.6

Karanjah kushtaghno granthibhedan... Vranahara -- Karanja is Kushtaghna (skin-condition-treating), Granthibheda (disperses glandular and cystic swellings), and Vranahara (wound-healing). Its oil is specifically indicated for external application in Vrana (wound) and Kushtha conditions.

Classical documentation

Charaka Samhita places Karanja in the Krimighna group and documents it specifically for external Kushtha (skin conditions), particularly those involving Kapha-Vata pathology with skin thickening, scaling, and infection. Sushruta Samhita documents Karanja oil in Vrana (wound) management. The bark is documented as a classical Danta Kashtha -- with its bitter and antimicrobial properties applied directly to the oral mucosa through the classical tooth-cleaning practice.

Karanjin -- modern pharmacology

Karanjin and pongapin (furanoflavonoids from Pongamia seed) have documented antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties in research published in Phytotherapy Research. Karanjin specifically demonstrates documented activity against dermatophytes (skin fungi) consistent with the classical Kushtaghna documentation.

Karanja oil

Karanja (Pongamia) oil -- extracted from the seeds -- is one of the primary classical external-use oils, used in Lepa (topical paste) preparations and as a base for medicated skin oils. Distinct from internal preparations. Non-edible as a food oil due to bitter taste but well-documented for external skin application.