Molecules of interest - Karanjin - A review

Background: At the present time, several plants are largely contributing to the medical field due to its valuable use. Scientific evidence generated with their special inherent compounds gave more confidence to the scientific community. Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) is an Indian native plant and well exploited in Ayurvedic medicinal system. Concurrently, a few pieces of scientific research have been done to prove the therapeutic activity of this medicinal plant. The medicinal properties of this plant are most likely due to its principal active compound, karanjin. As a molecule of interest, karanjin is an antioxidant and also exerts other biological benefits. Karanjin has also been recognized to be used in agricultural and environmental management other than medicinal purposes. Objectives: This review aimed to provide a brief information on the chemical and biological properties of karanjin along with its traditional uses. It is also discusses the scientific evidences available for its various biological properties. Materials and Methods: Various databases such as Google, Google Scholar Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed had been searched and the data was obtained. Results: The chemistry and reported biological properties of karanjin were highlighted. Karanjin revealed antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-Alzheimer's activities, and thus has several possible applications in clinical research. Conclusion: Therefore, further research may help in exploiting its properties and emergent phytopharmaceuticals based on it.