🌿 Karanjin: Source, Benefits, Applications and Safety Profile (2024 Updated Guide)

Karanjin is a naturally occurring furanoflavonol extracted from the seeds of Pongamia pinnata (commonly known as Karanja or Indian Beech). Due to its strong biological activity and plant-based origin, Karanjin has become widely used in agriculture, botanical pesticides, horticulture, and natural pest-control formulations.

This article provides a clear, research-supported overview of Karanjin’s properties, applications, extraction methods, and safety considerations for product developers, manufacturers, and agricultural suppliers.

1. What Is Karanjin?

Karanjin is a bioactive flavonoid found primarily in Karanja seeds and Karanja oil. It presents as a pale yellow to off-white powder and is valued for its multifunctional pesticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Key characteristics include:

Chemical class: Furanoflavonol

Plant source: Pongamia pinnata seeds

Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents, low solubility in water

Common purity: 50% (agricultural grade) or 98% (high-purity grade)

Karanjin occurs naturally alongside Pongamol in Karanja oil and is one of the primary contributors to its pesticidal activity.

2. Science-Backed Benefits of Karanjin

2.1 Insecticidal Activity

Karanjin is well-studied for its ability to disrupt insect feeding and growth cycles. Research shows that it acts as:

Antifeedant – reduces feeding behaviour in a wide range of pests

Growth inhibitor – interferes with larval development and molting

Contact pesticide – effective against soft-bodied pests

Common target pests include:

Aphids

Caterpillars

Whiteflies

Beetles

Storage pests

Leaf-eating insects

Because it comes from a natural botanical source, Karanjin is popular in eco-friendly and organic agricultural systems.

2.2 Miticidal & Acaricidal Effects

Karanjin shows strong efficacy against mites such as:

Red spider mites

Dust mites

Plant mites

This makes it widely used in:

Greenhouse production

Fruit orchards

Horticultural spraying programs

Botanical pesticide blends

It is commonly combined with Neem extracts to enhance its overall efficacy.

2.3 Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Laboratory studies have shown that Karanjin:

Reduces oxidative stress

Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity

Supports traditional Ayurvedic uses of Pongamia pinnata

While these properties are scientifically documented, Karanjin is not used in dietary or ingestible applications.

2.4 Larvicidal and Mosquito Control Activity

Karanjin demonstrates larvicidal effects against various mosquito species, making it a useful component in:

Public health mosquito-control programs

Natural insect-repellent sprays

Water-safe pest management solutions

3. Industrial and Commercial Applications

3.1 Agriculture and Botanical Pesticides

Karanjin is mainly used as a plant-based pest control ingredient for:

Field crops

Vegetables and fruits

Greenhouse crops

Seed treatments

Soil-health products

Its biodegradability makes it suitable for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

3.2 Horticulture and Home & Garden Products

Applications include:

Miticide sprays

All-purpose plant insect sprays

Eco-friendly garden pesticide formulations

3.3 Veterinary and Pet Care Products

Due to its acaricidal effects, Karanjin is used in:

Tick and mite control formulations

Livestock skin treatments

Natural pest-repellent sprays for animals

3.4 Industrial Uses

Beyond agriculture, Karanjin is also used in:

Timber preservation

Bio-lubricants and coatings

Eco-friendly solvent systems

Natural polymer modification

4. Extraction, Quality, and Specifications

Common Extraction Methods

Solvent extraction

Ethanol extraction

Supercritical CO₂ extraction (high-purity and solvent-free)

Typical Specifications

Appearance: Pale yellow powder

Purity: 50% / 98%

Analytical method: HPLC

Packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, or 25 kg drums

Quality Documentation Available

COA

HPLC chromatogram

MSDS

Pesticide and residual solvent screening

(Documentation availability varies by batch and manufacturer requirements.)

5. Safety Profile and Usage Notes

Karanjin is considered safe for agricultural and external applications when used as directed. It is not intended for ingestion.

Safety notes:

Handle with gloves

Avoid direct eye contact

Follow agricultural concentration guidelines

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Karanjin is significantly less toxic to humans and the environment compared to many synthetic pesticides, making it a preferred component in natural pest-control solutions.

6. Why Karanjin Is Increasingly Popular

Plant-derived and biodegradable

Effective on pesticide-resistant pests

Compatible with organic certifications

Cost-effective for large-scale farming

Sustainable and renewable source

As global regulations move toward safer and greener agricultural inputs, Karanjin continues to gain attention from formulators and manufacturers.

7. Looking for Karanjin in New Zealand?

SG Bio supplies high-quality Karanjin suitable for agricultural, horticultural, and industrial applications.

We offer:

Consistent, verified quality

COA and documentation support

Fast delivery within New Zealand

Technical assistance for formulation

For pricing, samples, or technical specifications, please contact our team.