Karanja oil is derived from the Pongamia pinnata tree, which is native to the Asian subcontinent. Thriving around rivers and coastal lands in India and Burma, according to Winrock.org, Pongamia pinnata is one of the few nitrogen-fixing trees to produce seeds containing 30 to 40 percent oil. This species is commonly called pongam, karanga or a derivation of these names. The seed oil is used as a lubricant, fuel oil and a pesticide. Medicinal remedies include rheumatism, skin diseases and scabies infections.

Karanja Oil

Karanja Oil Uses :

Scientific studies have found karanja to be effective in killing bacteria, micro-organisms and potentially alleviating diarrhea. A 2001 study published in "Microbios" investigated karanja oil's ability to eliminate strains of bacteria. The study found that karanja oil was effective in inhibiting cell membrane synthesis in the bacteria, thereby preventing their growth. The "Korean Journal of Parasitology" featured a study that found that the leaves of P. pinnata have anti-lice activity, with values ranging between 50.3 percent and 100 percent effectiveness. In 2006, the "Journal of Zhejiang University, Science B" tested karanja against enterotoxins such as cholera and E. coli. While karanja did not kill the bacteria, it reduced production of cholera and inhibited its spread into other cells.