Botany, traditional uses and pharmacological importance of Karanjwa (Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.): A possible prophylactic AYUSH-unani single drug for the management of COVID-19

Karanjwa (Caesalpaenia boduc (L.) Roxb. Syn. C. bonducella (L.) Fleming) commonly known as a fever nut, is a flowering, straggling, and very thorny perennial shrub of Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. The species is well known for its medicinal and therapeutic values in Indian AYUSH-Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha systems of medicine. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the recently discovered novel Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has issued the guidelines for qualified Unani practitioner to enhance the immunity and provide symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infection through prophylactic approach. One of the single drugs mentioned in the guidelines is Karanjwa (antipyretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immuno modulator). In Unani, the plant parts; nuts and leaves are described as anti-inflammatory (Muha’lil-e-waram), anti-pyretic (Musakkin-e-alam), blood purifier (Musaffī-i-Dam), anticonvulsant (Dāfi‘-i-Tashannuj) and antiseptic (Dāfi‘-i-Ta‘affun) and used to treat various diseases, specifically seasonal fevers (Hummā), bronchial asthma (Ḍīq al-Nafas), bronchitis (Su‘al-o-Surfa), ascites (Istisqa’ Ziqqi), hydrocele (Qarw Ma’i) and pleurisy (Dhat al-Janb). The Seeds of Karanjwa contain a bitter substance named bonducin, bonducellin caesalpin sphytosterinin, citrulline and fatty acids. Seed coat as well as kernel’s exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of this review paper is to compile the available information on and therapeutic uses of Karanjwa (C. bonduc) in context of Unani System of Medicine and to discuss the botany and importance of the plant on the basis of folk uses, pharmacological activities and chemical constituents. There is a possibility that the potential characteristics of C. bonduc may be utilized more efficiently through clinical trials and further research in the time of pandemic.