# Karmaranga

> Karmaranga (Averrhoa carambola) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Proanthocyanidins and epicatechin show moderate bioavailability (20-30%). L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is readily absorbed. Caution: oxalic acid may precipitate calcium — not recommended for patients with renal calculi.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Averrhoa carambola

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karmaranga |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Amla, Madhura | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Amla | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (dried fruit powder), Avaleha (preserve), Capsule, Kashayam (decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 20-40 mL fresh fruit juice twice daily; 3-5 g powder with honey; 10-15 g Avaleha

**Bioavailability:** High oxalic acid content influences mineral absorption. [Proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins) and [epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin) show moderate bioavailability (20-30%). L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is readily absorbed. Caution: oxalic acid may precipitate calcium — not recommended for patients with renal calculi. Polyphenol bioavailability improved through fermentation or enzymatic processing.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals to minimize oxalate-related GI effects; not to be taken on empty stomach

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 3% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) (as gallic acid equivalents); oxalic acid content must be tested and limited to <0.5% in processed extracts

**Shelf Life:** 24 hours for fresh juice (refrigerated); 18 months for freeze-dried powder; 24 months for Avaleha; 24 months for capsules

**Storage:** Fresh juice requires immediate refrigeration (2-8°C). Dried preparations in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Epicatechin, Proanthocyanidins, L-Ascorbic acid, Oxalic acid (to be minimized), Caramboxin (neurotoxin — must be absent in final product), [Saponins](/reference/saponins/), Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of ripe fruits
- Freeze-drying of juice
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (40-50% ethanol)
- Spray drying with maltodextrin carrier

### Synergistic Combinations

- Amalaki for enhanced [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) vitamin C combination
- [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) for nutritive tonic formulations
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) in digestive formulations
- [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) for hematinic formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/karmaranga/

## 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.