Introduction Millettia pinnata, a medium-sized, evergreen leguminous tree, is widely known for its traditional medicinal
Terminology
The plant is known by a variety of names globally, reflecting its widespread presence and cultural significance. The name Karanj is common in India and neighboring regions, while it's called Punku or Punnai in parts of Southern India. In China, it's known as Shuǐ huáng pí, and in the Philippines, it's called Balok-balok. The scientific terminology includes several synonyms like Derris indica and Pongamia glabra, with Pongamia pinnata being the most frequently used synonym. The family is Fabaceae, which includes a vast range of legumes.
Availability
Millettia pinnata is readily available in its native range across tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. It is commonly found in coastal areas, riverbanks, and forests. Due to its hardiness and fast growth, it's also cultivated in other parts of the world, including parts of Africa and the Americas, for its medicinal properties, timber, and as a source of biofuel.
External Look
The Millettia pinnata tree typically grows to a height of 15–25 meters with a spreading canopy. The bark is gray-brown and smooth or lightly fissured. Its leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they are arranged in opposite pairs along a central stem, with a single leaflet at the tip. The leaves are a shiny, dark green. The tree produces clusters of fragrant, showy flowers that are typically white, pink, or light purple. These flowers develop into woody, flattened, ellipsoid pods. The pods, which are a few inches long, contain one or two kidney-shaped seeds.
Healing Properties
The plant is a powerhouse of beneficial compounds, particularly flavonoids and related chemicals. Its various parts contain active components like karanjin, pongapin, and pongamol, which are responsible for many of its therapeutic effects. The plant is known for its antiseptic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, and antirheumatic properties. Karanjin, in particular, is the main component responsible for the healing properties of the oil. Different parts of the plant are used for different ailments; for example, the seeds and seed oil are known for their antiseptic and anthelmintic properties, while the leaves are used as a digestive aid and for treating skin conditions.
Uses
Millettia pinnata has a wide array of advantages and uses , both in traditional medicine and in modern applications. Medicinal Advantages : Skin Diseases: The oil is a well-known remedy for scabies, herpes, leucoderma, and other cutaneous diseases due to its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. Rheumatism: The oil is applied externally to relieve pain from rheumatism and has been used to treat gout. Digestive Health: The juice from the leaves is traditionally used to treat flatulence, dyspepsia, and diarrhea. Wound Healing: A paste made from the root is used for treating scrofulous enlargements and cleaning ulcers, while a decoction of the bark is used to treat bleeding piles. Respiratory Ailments: The rind of the pods and seeds is prescribed for bronchitis and whooping cough. Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani Medicine: The plant is an important ingredient in these traditional medicinal systems for treating a range of conditions, including leprosy, piles, and gynecological issues. Other Advantages : Biofuel: The seeds yield a significant amount of oil, which is a promising non-edible biofuel. It's often used for biodiesel production. Soil Improvement: The tree's nitrogen-fixing abilities enrich the soil, making it valuable for reforestation and agroforestry. Pest Control: The compounds in the plant have insecticidal properties and can be used as a natural pesticide.
Using Way
s The method of using Millettia pinnata depends on the part of the plant and the ailment being treated. Seed Oil: This is the most common form of use. The oil is applied topically on the skin for various conditions like scabies, eczema, and fungal infections. It can also be used as a liniment for rheumatic pain or applied on the chest for colds and pneumonia. Leaves: The juice of the leaves is consumed internally for digestive issues. An infusion of the leaves is also prepared for treating leprosy and gonorrhea. Root: A paste made from the root is applied externally to treat scrofula and ulcers. The juice is used to clean wounds. Bark: A decoction of the stem bark can be drunk internally for bleeding piles or after childbirth. Seeds/Pods: Powdered seeds or the rind of the pods are sometimes used for respiratory ailments.
Conclusion
Millettia pinnata, a remarkable and resilient tree, stands as a testament to the immense potential of natural resources. Its rich pharmacological profile, highlighted by the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, makes it a cornerstone of traditional medicine, particularly in India. Beyond its healing properties , its role in providing a sustainable biofuel source and its ecological benefits for soil health underscore its value in modern applications. The vast knowledge of this plant, passed down through various traditional systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, continues to be validated by scientific research, confirming its efficacy and solidifying its place as a crucial plant for both human health and environmental sustainability.
