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The therapeutic properties of Pongamia are very well recorded in the texts of traditional Indian medicines, Siddha and Ayurveda. Extracts of various parts of the plant and in various preparation (oil / alcohol / water) are scientifically evaluated and documented. The following are some of the documented properties of Pongamia that augment the therapeutic value of Lippu. |
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Seeds are used for external application in skin diseases. Oil from the seeds is used in Leucoderma, cutaneous affections, and leprous sores. |
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Seed oil is documented to yield a number of fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids being the major constituents besides Beta sitosterol. |
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Other extracts have indicated the presence of glabrin, glabrachalone and compounds like karanjin, pungapin |
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The oil has shown anti-bacterial activity against Mic. Pyogenes, aureus, Mic. Pyogenes var., Esch. Coli being most active against Sal. Paratyphis. The oil has also shown mild anti-fungal activity against keratinophillic fungi. |
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Karanj oil was evaluated for its efficacy against sarcoptic mange ( a disease caused by mites) in goats, in comparison with sulphur ointment, benzyl benzoate etc. Local application of oil was found to be more effective than other preparations. |
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Seeds contain a bitter (in taste and smell) pale, fatty sherry colored oil known as Pongamia oil. Bark contains a bitter alkaloid, resin, mucilage, sugar but no tannin. Leaves also contain a bitter substance. |
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Prof. D. B. Limaye of Poona has isolated "Karanjin" a crystalline constituent of the oil. The new compound S8H12O4 has been shown to the methyl ether of Karanjol ( C7H10O4) which possesses tinctorial properties. |
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Expressed oil has antiseptic and stimulant healing properties. Seeds, root, leaves and oil are anti-parasitic. They destroy both vegetable and animal parasites in skin diseases. Bark is astringent. |
