Averrhoa carambola (Karmaranga)

Karmaranga is not delineated in the Brihat Trayi texts. Among the nighantus Dhanvantari Nighantu and Paryµaya Ratnamµala did not cover this drug. Texts like Madanapala Nighantu, Raja Nighantu, and Bhava Prakasa have quoted it. It appears CakrapŒni mentioned it for the first time. Therefore it might have entered Indian Materia Medica around 10 A.D.

Botancial Description – It is a very small tree bearing purple or purple-white coloured flowers. It is grown in many parks and forests in India.

Major Chemical Constituents– Ascorbic acid, α & β carotene, polygalacturonase and volatile components etc.

Part Used– Fruit

Dosage– Fruit syrup 12-20 ml.