PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PONGAMIA PINNATA (L) SEED OIL

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre [family: Fabaceae] popularly known as “Karanj” or “Karanja” in Hindi, andIndian beech in English, is a medium-sized glabrous tree. The Pongamia pinnata seeds were collected in and aroundthe Bidar and Gulbarga area. The goal of research work is to biochemical characterization of primary metabolites suchas sugar, starch, protein, lipid, phenol, ascorbic acid and amino acid which are present in different plant parts ofPongamia pinnata. It is adaptable tree for tropical and sub-tropical regions which requires excellent drainage and asunny location. It grows easily from seed. Historically, this plant has long been used in India and neighboring regions asa source of traditional medicines, animal fodder, green manure, timber, fish poison and fuel. Extract of the plantpossess significant anti-diarrhoeal, anti-fungal, anti-plasmodial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and analgesicactivities. Its oil is a source of biodiesel. It has also alternative source of energy, which is renewable, safe and nonpollutant.This article briefly reviews the botany, distribution, ecology, uses of the plant and as a source of biodiesel.This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspect of Pongamia pinnata and its potential useas a source of biodiesel.