Pterocarpus

PTEROCARPUS

Synonyms

Bijasal, Indian kino tree, Malbar kino.

Biological Source

It consists of dried juice obtained by making vertical inci-sions to the stem bark of the plant Pterocarpus marsupium Linn., belonging to family Leguminosae.

Geographical Distribution

It is found in hilly regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa. It is also found in forests of Karnal, Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam.

Morphology

Chemical Constituents

Kino contains about 70–80% of kinotannic acid, kino-red, k-pyrocatechin (catechol), resin and gallic acid. Kinotannic acid is glucosidal tannin, whereas kino-red is anhydride of kinoin. Kinoin is an insoluble phlobaphene and is produced by the action of oxydase enzyme. It is darker in colour than kinotannic acid.

Chemical Tests

1.     When the solution of drug is treated with ferrous sulphate, green colour is produced.

2.     With alkali (like potassium hydroxide) violet colour is produced.

3.     With mineral acid, a precipitate is obtained.

Uses

Kino is used as powerful astringent and also in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, passive haemorrhage, toothache, and in diabetes. It is used in dyeing, tanning, and printing. The aqueous infusion of the wood is considered to be of much use in diabetes. The alcoholic, as well as, aqueous extracts of heartwood are known to possess hypoglycaemic action. The cups made of wood are available with Khadi and Gramodyog commission for treatment of diabetes.

Marketed Products

It is the one of the components of the preparation known as Gludibit (Lupin Herbal Laboratory) and Diabecon (Hima-laya Drug Company) for diabetes mellitus.