Pongamia pinnata

Pongamia pinnata, known in Ayurveda as “Karanja,” has long been used by rural healers in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for a range of skin and internal ailments. Among the people of Rajasthan, a decoction of fresh leaves is applied as a poultice to treat wounds, eczema, and leprosy lesions (Sharma et al., 2018). In Nepal, traditional healers prepare a decoction of bark and water to reduce fever and relieve joint pain, and they also macerate the root in alcohol to make a tincture for urinary tract infections (Shrestha, 2017). Sri Lankan folk medicine records the use of a leaf infusion for cough and as a mild astringent for digestive upset (Silva, 2018). These preparations are all based on infusions, decoctions, tinctures, macerations, or poultices, and they illustrate the plant’s versatility in everyday folk practice.

A simple, safe tea can be made from the dried leaves. Take 5 g of dried Pongamia leaves, add them to 250 ml of freshly boiled water, and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink two cups per day, preferably after meals. This mild infusion is traditionally used to soothe skin irritation and to support digestive health. Because the plant contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women should avoid this tea, and anyone with a history of kidney stones should use it sparingly.

The therapeutic effects of Pongamia are largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. The leaves contain high levels of tannins and flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which provide antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activity. The bark and seeds are rich in punicic acid, a conjugated linolenic fatty acid with proven antimicrobial and anti‑cancer properties, and in punagallol, a phenolic compound that contributes to the plant’s astringent action. These constituents together explain the traditional use of leaf decoctions for skin healing and bark decoctions for fever reduction.

Modern research continues to validate these folk practices. Recent pharmacological studies have confirmed the anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Pongamia extracts, and the plant’s oil is now widely commercialized as a renewable biodiesel. Despite its industrial use, Pongamia remains an important resource in rural communities, where its leaves, bark, and roots are still prepared as teas, decoctions, and poultices to treat everyday ailments.

Common products:
Seed oil (Pongamia oil) – used as a cooking oil in some regions, as a feedstock for biodiesel, and as an ingredient in soaps and detergents. Seed cake – a protein‑rich by‑product used as animal feed.

Industrial and craft applications:
Biodiesel – the oil is processed to meet ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 biodiesel standards. Industrial lubricants – the oil’s high oleic acid content provides good oxidative stability. Polyol production – the oil can be converted to polyols for polymer synthesis. Animal feed – seed cake is incorporated into livestock rations.

Food and beverages (non‑medicinal):
Seed oil is consumed as a cooking oil in parts of South Asia. Seed cake is used as a protein supplement in animal feed.

Wood and fiber:
The heartwood is used for construction, furniture, and firewood. The bark and branches are used for small‑scale craft items.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
Seed oil is an ingredient in soaps, detergents, and cosmetic formulations such as creams and lotions.

Properties relevant to use:
The oil contains ~70 % oleic acid, 20–25 % linoleic acid, and 5–10 % free fatty acids. It has a saponification value of ~200 mg KOH g⁻¹, an iodine value of ~120 g I₂ 100 g⁻¹, and an energy density of ~40 MJ kg⁻¹. The high unsaturated fatty acid content and low free fatty acid level make it suitable for biodiesel and lubricants. The protein content of seed cake (~30 %) supports its use as animal feed.

Standards and regulation:
Biodiesel derived from Pongamia oil must comply with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. The oil used in cosmetics is regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009). Edible oil is subject to Codex Alimentarius guidelines and national food safety regulations. Animal feed must meet EU Feed Hygiene Regulation (EC No 183/2005).

Sustainability and sourcing:
Pongamia pinnata is a fast‑growing, drought‑tolerant tree that can be cultivated on marginal lands, reducing pressure on forest resources. Its cultivation for biofuel contributes to lower greenhouse‑gas emissions compared with fossil diesel. Sustainable management practices and certification schemes are increasingly applied to Pongamia plantations to ensure responsible sourcing. The tree’s ability to grow on marginal lands reduces competition with food crops.

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