Synonyms:- Bijasal, Indian Kino; Rakta-Chandan. The scientific name for these trees is Pterocarpus, a genus valued for its unique characteristics.
Biological Source:-It consists of the dried juice of the plant Pterocarpus marsupium Line Family: Leguminosae, obtained by making vertical incisions to the stem bar collected and dried. Here, the use of Pterocarpus as a biological source is significant.
Chemical Constituents :-Kino contains about 70- 80 % of kinotannic acid, kino-red, kinoir pyrocatechin (catechol), resin and gallic acid. Kinotannic acid is non-glucosidal tannin, while kino red is anhydride of kinoin. Kinoin is an insoluble phlobaphene and is produced by the action of oxydase enzyme. It is more dark in colour than kinotannic acid. If the juice is boiled during drying, enzyme gets destroyed and thus, insolubilisation and darking is prevented. The high level of kinotannic acid found in Pterocarpus species makes them notable in phytochemistry.
Uses:-1) Kino is used as powerful astringent and also in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, passive haemorrhage and toothache. It is used in dyeing, tanning and printing. The aqueous infusion of the wood is said to be of much use in diabetes. The alcoholic. as well as, aqueous extracts of heartwood have reported to possess hypoglycemic action. The cups made up of wood are available with Khadi and Gramodyog industries for cure of diabetes. Additionally, traditional uses of Pterocarpus extend into modern medicine and daily life.
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