# Putikaranja

> Putikaranja is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Millettia pinnata) seeds have moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Furanoflavonoids are lipophilic (log P >3) and benefit from lipid co-administration. Seed oil serves as a natural self-emulsifying delivery vehicle for lipophilic actives.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Putikaranja |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, 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:** Churna (seed powder), Kwatha (bark decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (seed oil, external), Lepa (paste), Ointment

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder daily; 3-5 g bark powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; topical oil/paste as directed

**Bioavailability:** [Karanjin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#karanjin) and [pongamol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pongamol) from Pongamia pinnata (syn. Millettia pinnata) seeds have moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). [Furanoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#furanoflavonoids) are lipophilic (log P >3) and benefit from lipid co-administration. Seed oil serves as a natural self-emulsifying delivery vehicle for lipophilic actives. [Pongapin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pongapin) shows rapid absorption (Tmax 1-2 h). Topical bioavailability of seed oil actives is good for dermatological applications.

**Optimal Timing:** Oral (seed/bark): after meals. Topical oil: apply at night, avoid sun exposure on treated areas for 12 hours. For skin conditions: apply thin layer twice daily.

**Standardized Extract:** Putikaranja seed extract (8:1) standardized to karanjin >5%, pongamol >2%. Seed oil with karanjin >2%, acid value <10 mg KOH/g. Bark extract with total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) >3%.

**Shelf Life:** Seed oil: 12-18 months; Seed powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Capsules: 24 months; Bark powder: 18-24 months

**Storage:** Seed oil: amber glass or HDPE, below 25 deg C, protect from light and oxidation. Powder: airtight, below 25 deg C, RH <50%. Seeds: cool, dry, pest-proof storage.

**Marker Compounds:** Karanjin, Pongamol, Pongapin, Kanjone, Furanoflavonoids, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Glabrin, Pinnatin

### Extraction Methods

- Cold-press seed oil extraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) of seeds/bark
- Methanol extraction for furanoflavonoid profiling
- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Soxhlet extraction with hexane for oil followed by ethanol for defatted residue
- Supercritical CO2 for karanjin-enriched fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Neem](/herb/neem/) (synergistic biopesticide and dermatological)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory skin formulation)
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) + [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) Taila (combined oil for skin infections)
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (anthelmintic combination)
- [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) (dermatological synergy for skin pigmentation disorders)

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

## 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.