# Karanja Taila

> Karanja Taila is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Oil base ensures sustained contact with skin. Karanjin has UV-absorbing properties providing photoprotective effect. Penetrates stratum corneum effectively.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) Taila |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Taila (medicated oil for external use), Ointment (modern), Cream (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** External application on affected skin, 1-2 times daily, as per AFI

**Bioavailability:** Topical application provides direct dermal delivery of [karanjin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#karanjin) and [pongamol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pongamol) ([furanoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#furanoflavonoids)). Oil base ensures sustained contact with skin. Karanjin has UV-absorbing properties providing photoprotective effect. Penetrates stratum corneum effectively.

**Optimal Timing:** After bathing or at bedtime for Kushtha (skin diseases), Dadru (ringworm), and Krimi (parasitic infections)

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (cold-pressed), 3 years (medicated taila)

**Storage:** Store in amber glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect from light — karanjin is photosensitive.

**Marker Compounds:** Karanjin, Pongamol, [Pongapin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pongapin), Pongaglabol, Furanoflavonoids

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value, peroxide value, saponification value (185-195), [iodine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iodine) value (80-90), refractive index, specific gravity, karanjin content by HPLC (NLT 0.5%), pongamol content, furanoflavonoid assay, rancidity test negative, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Not applicable — external use only. Apply thin layer and massage gently.

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) Taila
- Mahamanjisthadi Kwath (internal)
- [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (internal)
- [Khadira](/herb/khadira/) Kwath (topical wash)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/karanja-taila/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.