Herb's Introduction
Millettia pinnata, commonly known as Pongamia pinnata, is a versatile and remarkable tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. This tree has been a part of traditional medicinal systems for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic and Unani practices. It is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Its adaptability and numerous uses, from its potent medicinal properties to its potential as a source of biofuel, make it a plant of significant global interest. The tree is known for its dense canopy, which provides shade, and its beautiful flowers and pods. The name "Pongamia" is derived from the Tamil name "Pungam," highlighting its deep roots in South Asian culture and tradition. While it has been reclassified to the genus Millettia, it is still widely recognized by its former name, Pongamia pinnata.
Name in Different Countries
The Millettia pinnata tree is known by a variety of names across different regions and languages, a testament to its widespread presence and cultural significance. Arabic: بونغاميا ريشية (Bunghamiya rishiya) Assamese: karchaw Bengali: করঞ্জ (karanja) Chinese: 水黄皮 (Shuǐ huáng pí) Filipino/Tagalog: Balok-balok French: Le Karanj Gujarati: કરંજ (karanja) Hindi: करंज (karanj), पापड़ (papar), सुखचैन (sukhchain), व्याघ्रनखी (vyaghranakhi) Kannada: ಹೊಮ್ಗೆ (homge) Javanese: Bangkong, Bangkongan, Karum oil tree, Karum tree, Kepik Konkani: करंजी (karamji) Malayalam: പൊങ്ങ് (pong), ഉങ്ങ് (ung) Malaysian: Mempari, Pari-pari Marathi: करज (karaja), करंज (karanja) Oriya: koranjo Prakrit: करंज (karamja) Russian: Каранджа (Karanja) Sanskrit: करञ्ज (karañja), नक्तमाला (naktamala) Sundanese: Ki Pahang, Ki pahang laut Tamil: புன்கு (punku), புன்னை (punnai), நத்தம் (nattam), நீர்ப்புன்கு (nir-p-punku), தட்டைப்புன்கு (tattai-p-punku) Telugu: కానుగ (kanuga), గానుగ (Ganuga) Thai: Pawda paki, Ra yot, หยีน้ำ Vietnamese: Đậu dầu
Terminology
Synonyms: This plant has been known by several scientific names, including Cytisus pinnatus L., Derris indica (Lam.) Bennet, Galedupa indica Lam. Galedupa pinnata (L.) Taub., Pongamia glabra Vent., Pongamia mitis Kurz, and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. The most common synonym is Pongamia pinnata, which is still widely used in scientific and traditional literature. Family: Fabaceae (the pea family or legume family). This family is known for its nitrogen-fixing properties and includes many economically important plants. Common Names: The most recognized common names are Karanj (from Sanskrit and Hindi), Pongam, and Indian Beech. Ayurvedic Terminology: In Ayurveda, it is known as Karanja and is used to treat a range of conditions, including Vrana (wounds), Krimi (worms/parasites), Kushta (skin diseases), and Prameha (urinary disorders). Chemical Constituents: The plant is a rich source of various compounds, particularly flavonoids and their derivatives. Key compounds include karanjin, pongapin, pongamol, and various chromenes and chalcones. These compounds are responsible for the plant's diverse pharmacological activities.
Availability
Millettia pinnata is widely available in its native range, which includes tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Australia, and parts of the Pacific Islands. It is particularly common in India, where it grows naturally in coastal areas and along riverbanks. The tree is also cultivated in many countries for its shade, medicinal properties, and potential for biofuel production. Various parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, seeds, and seed oil, are harvested and used for traditional medicine. The seed oil, known as Pongamia oil or Karanja oil, is a commercially available product used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and for industrial applications.
External Look
Millettia pinnata is a medium-sized, evergreen tree that can grow up to 15-25 meters in height. It has a straight or crooked trunk and a large, spreading canopy, making it an excellent shade tree. Leaves: The leaves are compound, odd-pinnate, and are typically 10-15 cm long. They consist of 5-9 leaflets that are opposite, ovate or elliptic, and a dark glossy green color. Flowers: The flowers are a striking feature of the tree. They are small, pink, purplish, or white in color and are borne on axillary racemes. They are fragrant and appear in the spring. Pods: The pods are a distinguishing characteristic. They are thick-walled, woody, oblong-ellipsoid, and typically about 5-8 cm long. They are flat, brown when mature, and contain one or two kidney-shaped, reddish-brown seeds. Bark: The bark is greyish-brown, smooth or slightly fissured, and often has a mottled appearance.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Millettia pinnata are extensive and well-documented in traditional medicine systems. The plant's therapeutic effects are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Antiseptic and Antifungal: The oil and leaf extracts possess strong antiseptic and antifungal properties, making them effective for treating skin infections, scabies, herpes, and other cutaneous diseases. Anti-inflammatory and Antirheumatic: The seed oil and leaves are used to alleviate pain and swelling associated with rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. The oil is applied externally to the affected areas. Anthelmintic: The bark and seeds have anthelmintic properties, meaning they are effective in expelling parasitic worms from the body. Antidiarrhoeal and Digestive: The juice of the leaves is prescribed for digestive disorders, including flatulence, dyspepsia, and diarrhea. Antileprotic and Antigonorrheic: Traditionally, an infusion of the leaves was given for leprosy and gonorrhea, highlighting its potent action against bacterial and microbial infections. Antiviral: Studies have shown that the aqueous extract of the seeds has significant antiviral activity, particularly against herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Wound Healing: The root paste and juice are used for cleaning foul ulcers, closing fistulous sores, and promoting faster recovery from skin burns and infections. Hepatoprotective: The oil is used internally as a cholagogue to stimulate bile flow and treat sluggish liver. Sedative and Antipyretic: The aqueous extract of the stem bark has been shown to have significant sedative and fever-reducing effects.
Advantages
Millettia pinnata offers numerous advantages, both for medicinal purposes and for the environment. Medicinal Versatility: Almost every part of the tree—leaves, flowers, bark, roots, and seeds—has a medicinal use, making it a highly valuable resource. Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The presence of flavonoids like karanjin and pongapin provides a scientific basis for its traditional uses and makes it a subject of ongoing research for new drug development. Biofuel Potential: The seeds yield a significant amount of oil (Karanja oil), which is a non-edible oil. This makes it a sustainable source for biodiesel production, reducing reliance on edible crops for fuel. Ecological Benefits: As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, improving soil fertility. Its deep root system helps in soil conservation and prevents erosion, making it suitable for reforestation and land reclamation. Drought and Salinity Tolerance: The tree is highly resilient and can grow in a variety of challenging conditions, including saline and dry soils, making it an excellent candidate for cultivation in marginal lands. Natural Pesticide: The oil and extracts have insecticidal properties and can be used as a natural pesticide, reducing the need for chemical alternatives.
Uses
The uses of Millettia pinnata are diverse and extend beyond its medicinal properties. Medicinal: External Application: The oil is a primary component of many traditional formulations for skin diseases, scabies, leucoderma, and rheumatism. Internal Consumption: The leaf juice and bark extracts are consumed for treating digestive issues, fever, and piles. The seeds and pod rind are used for respiratory problems like bronchitis. Biofuel and Energy: Karanja oil is a leading candidate for biodiesel production. It can be used directly as a fuel in some engines or converted into biodiesel. Agriculture: The nitrogen-fixing ability of the tree makes it valuable for agroforestry and as a green manure. The oil cake (residue after oil extraction) is used as a fertilizer. Environmental: Planted for soil conservation, erosion control, and as a shade tree in plantations and public spaces. Industrial: The oil is used in the soap, cosmetic, and leather tanning industries. The bark yields a strong fiber. Traditional Rituals: In some cultures, the tree and its products are used in traditional and spiritual ceremonies.
Using Way
The way Millettia pinnata is used depends on the specific part of the plant and the condition being treated. Leaves: Juice: The fresh leaf juice is extracted and taken orally to treat flatulence, dyspepsia, and diarrhea. Infusion: An infusion of the leaves is prepared by steeping them in hot water and is traditionally used for leprosy and gonorrhea. Seeds and Oil: External Application: The oil is applied topically to the skin for scabies, herpes, and other skin diseases. It is also massaged into joints to relieve rheumatic pain. Internal: The oil is sometimes used internally as a cholagogue, but this should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Bark: Decoction: A decoction (a concentrated liquid) of the stem bark is prepared and used for bleeding piles and as a sedative. In some traditions, it is also consumed after childbirth. Paste: The paste of the root is applied externally to scrofulous enlargements and for cleaning ulcers. Pods and Rind: The rind of the pods and seeds are ground into a powder and used in formulations to treat bronchitis and whooping cough.
Conclusion
Millettia pinnata, or Karanj, is a truly remarkable tree with a rich history of medicinal use and a promising future. Its classification and terminology may have evolved, but its significance in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani remains steadfast. The tree's diverse healing properties, stemming from its rich array of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, make it a powerful natural remedy for a wide range of ailments, from skin diseases and inflammatory conditions to digestive and respiratory issues. Beyond its medicinal value, Millettia pinnata's ecological benefits and potential as a sustainable source of biofuel highlight its importance in modern contexts. Its ability to thrive in challenging environments and its role in soil improvement make it a valuable resource for land reclamation and agroforestry. The sheer versatility of the tree, where every part has a distinct use, underscores its status as a "tree of life" in many cultures. As research continues to uncover new applications and confirm its traditional uses, Millettia pinnata stands as a testament to the enduring power and potential of botanical medicine.
