Age Ayurveda Nighantu

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

LanguageName
EnglishPutikaranja

Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

PropertyValueDescription
Rasa (Taste)Tikta, KatuPrimary taste
Guna (Quality)Laghu, TikshnaPhysical quality
Virya (Potency)UshnaHeating/Cooling effect
Vipaka (Post-digestive)KatuPost-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 and pongamol from Pongamia pinnata (syn. 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. 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 >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, 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 (synergistic biopesticide and dermatological)
  • Haridra (anti-inflammatory skin formulation)
  • Karanja + Nimba Taila (combined oil for skin infections)
  • Vidanga (anthelmintic combination)
  • Bakuchi (dermatological synergy for skin pigmentation disorders)

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