DOI: 10.4103/jaer.jaer_7_25 ISSN: 6600-2222

Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, and Phytochemical Evaluation of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata L. Pierre.) Bark Powder and Seed Oil: A Comprehensive Analytical Study

Narendra Mehta, Satyender Kumar, Ravinder Arora
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Abstract

Background:

Karanj ( Pongamia pinnata L. Pierre.) is an important Ayurvedic drug for Kushtha, Kandu, Shotha, and Vrana. Little scientific evaluation of its bark and seed oil has been done, although it has therapeutic value.

Aim:

This study aims to establish physicochemical, phytochemical, pharmacognostic, and chromatographic standards of Karanj bark powder (KRP-01) and seed oil (KSO-02).

Materials:

Authenticated bark and seeds of Karanj ( P. pinnata L. Pierre.), microscope, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate.

Methods:

Authenticated bark and seeds of Karanj ( P. pinnata L. Pierre.) were analyzed by the use of organoleptic and microscopic analysis, physicochemical testing (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India standards), phytochemical profile, and TLC fingerprinting.

Results:

The powder of the bark contained characteristic cork cells, lignified fibers, tannin-saturated parenchyma, calcium oxalate crystals, and grains of starch, which could be observed. Physicochemical analysis of seed oil showed a refractive index of 1.463 and a saponification value of 186. The bark contained high concentrations of tannins (7.2%), flavonoids (1.8%), and saponins (1.1%), but the seed oil contained fixed oils and terpenoids as the major ones.

Conclusion:

Finally, the work advocates that Karanj seed oil contains more active component as compare to Karanj Bark Powder.

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