Karanja Oil: What should we know about this vegetable oil?

Karanja oil is extracted through cold pressing of the seeds from this shrub, which grows in India, as well as in certain regions of Africa. The Pongamia glabra thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, and can withstand drought. It is adorned with white flowers that after 11 months produce stone fruits. These fruits account for 75% of the fruit's weight and contain up to 35% oil. All parts of the Karanja are used in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia as remedies for skin diseases. Today, its oil is included in the formulation of numerous skin and hair care products due to its content of Pongamol and Karanjin.

Having adapted to a warm climate, the Pongamia glabra knows how to combat dehydration. This characteristic is found in its oil. This is due to its richness in monounsaturated fatty acids. Indeed, Karanja oil is composed of 50% oleic acid, also known as omega 9, but that's not all. It also contains:

• saturated fatty acids, including palmitic acid (12 to 14%) and stearic acid (11 to 13%);

• approximately 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3).

The Karanjin and Pongamol, these unsaponifiable flavonoids, respectively represent 2 to 3% and 0.4 to 0.7% of the active ingredients in this vegetable oil.

Due to its richness in omega 6 and omega 9, Karanja oil is valued for its emollient and softening properties. It makes the skin supple while preserving its hydration.

As an antioxidant flavonoid, pongamol found in this vegetable oil protects the skin against the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for its premature ageing. Along with Karanjin, this molecule absorbs a portion of UV rays. As a result, Karanja oil enhances the effects of ultraviolet filters in sun creams, such as our SPF30 dry skin sun cream with aloe vera. These two flavonoids also give Karanja oil purifying and soothing properties, making it a friend to acne-prone or blemish-prone skin. Indeed, Karanjin and Pongamol fight against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, fungi and bacteria that promote the onset of skin infections.

This vegetable oil, extracted from Pongamia glabra nourishes the hair fibre deeply, thus making the hair shiny, easy to detangle and style. It is recommended for weakened, curly or frizzy hair.

Active, the Karanja vegetable oil must be diluted with another vegetable oil for topical use. Be sure to adhere to the recommended maximum dosages: 25% for body care and 85% for facial care.

Furthermore, Karanja oil may potentially cause allergies. A skin test is recommended before using it, as it could cause irritation or itching.

Karanja oil is contraindicated for children under the age of 6.

• Documents fournisseur.

• AHMAD S. & al. Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and corrosion protective properties of epoxies, epoxy-polyols and epoxy-polyurethane coatings from linseed and Pongamia glabra seed oils. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2007).

• THIRUMAKUDALU S. K. C. & al. Gastroprotective properties of karanjin from karanja (Pongamia pinnata) seeds; role as antioxidant and H, K-ATPase inhibitor. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2011).

• SAHIDIN I. & al. Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2013).

• ANSM (Agence National de Sécurité du Médicament et des produits de santé). Produits de protection solaire contenant de l’huile de karanja (2017).

• TU P. & al. Anti-inflammatory flavanones and favanols from the roots of Pongamia pinnata. Planta Medica (2018)

• TIWARI G. J. & al. Role of nitric oxide-scavenging activity of Karanjin and Pongapin in the treatment of psoriasis. BioTech (2018).

• TU P. & al. Anti-inflammatory isoflavones and isoflavanones from the roots of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters (2018).

• GOVINDARAJU K. & al. Synthesis, characterization and anti-inflammatory properties of karanjin (Pongamia pinnata seed) and its derivatives. Bioorganic Chemistry (2020).

• RANGAN L. & al. Karanjin. Phytochemistry (2021).