Botanical Name : Carissa carandas Linn. Var congesta (Wt.) Bedd
Family : Apocynaceae.
Identification No. SDACH/HG/133
Introduction :
In BAVAPRAKASHA two types of karamardha mentioned as karamardha dwaya. In kerala C. spinarum considered as the second. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the stem bark in obstinate skin diseases, and the root in urinary disorders.
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Christ’s Thorn, Bengal Currant, karaunda, jasmine flowered carrisa
Hindi : Karunta, karonti
Kannada : karikayi
Malayalam : Klavu, karanta, perumklavu
Sanskrit : Karamardha, avighnah
Tamil : Kalakke, perumkla
Telugu : Peddakalavi, vaka
Unani : Karondaa.
Synonyms :
Karinkaara, Karamarda, Krishnapaakphal, Kshirphena, Sushena,
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :
C. spinarum Linn.
Morphology :
Evergreen shrub with paired throns
Leaves – ovate, simple, opposite
Flower – white, corymbose
Fruit – globose- berry type
Seed – two in number, compressed
Distribution & Habitat :
All over India
Chemical constituents :
Vit C
Properties :
fruit
RASA- amlam
GUNA- guru
VIRYA-ushna
VIPAKA- katu
Karma : ruchyam, deepana, pachana, krimighna
Appetizer, antipyretic
Internal uses :
Digestive system : Constipating,
Skin : Scabies
Indication :
Diarrhea, worm, cabbies, pruritus
Used for acidity, flatulence, poor digestion, as a slimming diet. Juice of the fresh plant is used for infected wounds that refuse to heal.
Part used :
Root, fruit
Dosage :
Decoction – 60 -120 ml
Powder 2-4 gm
Therapeutic Uses (Amayika Prayoga)
Internal Uses
1. Aruchi (Loss of appetite) – Fruit juice or pickle stimulates digestive fire.
2. Amlapitta (Acid reflux / Hyperacidity) – Ripe fruit is mildly cooling and balances Pitta when taken in moderation.
3. Hridroga (Heart disorders) – Acts as a Hridya (cardiac tonic); improves cardiac strength.
4. Pandu (Anemia) – Rich in iron; useful in iron deficiency-related fatigue.
5. Atisara (Diarrhea) – Fruit pulp helps manage mild loose motions due to its astringent property.
6. Kasa-Shwasa (Cough and asthma) – Its anti-inflammatory effect helps soothe respiratory passages.
External Uses
1. Vrana (Wounds & ulcers) – Fresh paste or juice of fruit applied for wound healing.
2. Daha (Burning sensation) – Leaf juice used topically to relieve burning.
3. Twak Roga (Skin diseases) – Paste used on fungal infections and itching.
4. Prameha Vrana (Diabetic wounds) – Application of decoction or fruit extract helps in healing due to antibacterial activity.
5. Oral ulcers – Gargle with diluted juice for mouth ulcers or gum problems.
 IUCN
Current Status:Not Evaluated (NE)Â
