🌿 Karanjin vs Pongamol: Key Differences, Benefits and Applications
Karanjin and Pongamol are two major bioactive compounds naturally found in the seeds and oil of Pongamia pinnata (also known as Karanja or Indian Beech). Both compounds play important roles in the biological activity of Karanja oil, especially in insect control, agricultural formulations, and botanical pesticide applications.
Although they are structurally related, Karanjin and Pongamol differ in their chemical behavior, potency, and practical uses. This article provides a clear comparison for agricultural formulators, manufacturers, and research teams looking to understand their distinct functions.
1. What Are Karanjin and Pongamol?
Karanjin
Chemical type: Furanoflavonol
Appearance: Pale yellow crystalline powder
Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents
Typical purity: 50% or 98%
Known for: Strong insecticidal, antifeedant, and miticidal activity
Pongamol
Chemical type: Flavonoid derivative
Appearance: Yellowish-brown crystalline compound
Solubility: Similar to Karanjin, oil-soluble
Typical purity: Varies depending on extraction
Known for: Mitigating plant stress, antioxidant effects, mild insecticidal activity
Both are naturally present in Karanja oil but exhibit different strengths and modes of action.
2. Key Differences Between Karanjin and Pongamol
| Feature | Karanjin | Pongamol |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Furanoflavonol | Flavonoid derivative |
| Primary Activity | Strong insecticidal & antifeedant | Moderate insecticidal, antioxidant |
| Potency | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Botanical pesticides, miticides | Plant health support, mild pest control |
| Typical Use | IPM programs, organic farming | Soil conditioners, stress resilience |
| Purity Availability | 50%, 98% | Less commonly isolated |
In summary:
👉 Karanjin = stronger, more targeted pest control
👉 Pongamol = supportive role, moderate bioactivity
3. Insecticidal Activity Comparison
Karanjin
Well-documented for:
Inhibiting insect feeding
Disrupting molting and development
Acting against soft-bodied pests
Providing broad-spectrum botanical pesticide effects
Effective for:
Aphids
Whiteflies
Caterpillars
Mites
Storage pests
Pongamol
Shows:
Moderate insecticidal properties
Synergistic effects when combined with Karanjin
Lower standalone potency
Primarily used in formulations where plant health + mild pest pressure is the main concern.
4. Agricultural and Horticultural Applications
4.1 Karanjin Applications
Widely used in:
Botanical insecticides
Organic farming sprays
Greenhouse pest management
Miticide formulations
Soil health boosters
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs
Karanjin is often paired with Neem for enhanced efficacy.
4.2 Pongamol Applications
Used in:
Plant stress-resilience products
Mild insect-control blends
Soil conditioners
Natural antioxidant-based formulations
It acts as a supporting compound rather than the main pesticidal agent.
5. Extraction and Quality Standards
Karanjin
Extracted from Karanja seed oil
Available in 50% and 98% grades
HPLC-tested for purity
Used globally in botanical pesticide manufacturing
Pongamol
Co-extracted during Karanja oil processing
Often present alongside Karanjin
Less commonly isolated as a standalone ingredient
Available in customised grades for R&D or specialised formulations
6. Safety Profile
Both compounds are:
Plant-derived
Biodegradable
Suitable for eco-friendly agricultural products
Safety notes:
Not for ingestion
Use appropriate PPE during formulation
Follow agricultural concentration guidelines
Their low toxicity profiles make them compatible with organic farming systems.
7. Which One Should Formulators Use?
Use Karanjin when you need:
Strong insect control
Targeted antifeedant activity
Miticidal effects
High potency active ingredient
Use Pongamol when you need:
Plant health and stress support
Mild antioxidant protection
Supplementary activity in a broader formulation
Use Both Together when you need:
Broad-spectrum botanical pesticide performance
Synergistic activity for agricultural sprays
Balanced plant protection and plant health support
8. Karanjin and Pongamol for NZ Manufacturers
In New Zealand, these compounds are used in:
Eco-friendly horticulture products
Natural pest-control sprays
Orchard and greenhouse applications
Organic farming solutions
Demand is increasing as NZ moves toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
9. Looking for Karanjin or Pongamol in NZ?
SG Bio supplies:
High-purity Karanjin (50% & 98%)
Custom Pongamol grades for formulation
Technical documents, COA, and regulatory support
Fast delivery across NZ
Contact our team to request samples or pricing.
