Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as Indian Kino, Vijaysar, or Malabar Kino, is a large deciduous tree native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The tree is known for its dense canopy, rough bark, and compound leaves, and it produces yellow flowers followed by flat, winged seed pods.
One of the most notable features of Pterocarpus marsupium is its reddish resin, also called kino, which is obtained from the bark. This resin has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The heartwood of the tree is particularly valued for its anti-diabetic properties, and it is often used to make wooden tumblers—drinking water stored in them is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. The tree also possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular natural remedy for various health conditions. Beyond its medicinal uses, Pterocarpus marsupium is also valued for its durable timber and ecological importance in reforestation and soil conservation.
Family Name: FABACEAE
Botanical Name: PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM ROXB.
Common Name: INDIAN KINO TREE, MALABAR KINO TREE, KINO
Part Used: HEART WOOD, LEAVES, FLOWERS
Uses: The heart wood is astringent, bitter acrid, anti inflammatory, anthelmentic, anodyne. It is considered as magical for Diabetes. It turns the water blue as soon as it comes in contact with the water. It is good for elephantiasis, leucoderma, diarrhoea, dysentery, rectalgia, cough and greyness of hair.