BIJSAR (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as Bijsar or Indian Kino Tree, is a deciduous tree native to India and parts of Sri Lanka and Nepal. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is widely recognized in Ayurveda for its potent antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The heartwood is especially valued for its use in managing diabetes mellitus, while the bark, leaves, and gum are also used for various traditional remedies.

Pterocarpus marsupium Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Pterocarpus
Species: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Pterocarpus marsupium Common Name

English: Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kino
Sanskrit: Vijaysar, Asana
Hindi: Bijasar, Bijasar
Gujarati: Bavasar
Tamil: Vengai
Telugu: Vegisa
Marathi: Bibla
Malayalam: Venga

Pterocarpus marsupium Uses

Antidiabetic Action - The heartwood is traditionally used in the form of wooden tumblers or decoctions to reduce blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Health - Contains flavonoids that strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation, Used to reduce cholesterol levels and improve lipid profiles.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - The bark and heartwood extract have been used to reduce swelling and pain, especially in rheumatic conditions.

Wound Healing - Gum and bark paste are applied to chronic ulcers and wounds for faster healing.

Phytochemical Constituents

Pterocarpus marsupium is known for its high content of medicinally active constituents, particularly in its heartwood. Major phytochemicals include:

Flavonoids: Marsupsin, Pterosupin, Liquiritigenin
Triterpenoids: Betulinic acid
Polyphenols: Epicatechin
Gums and Tannins: Kinotannic acid
Lignans and Steroids: Sitosterol

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India, Vol. 2, Part 1.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1. Bombay: Popular Prakashan.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Grover, J.K., Yadav, S., & Vats, V. (2002). “Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 81(1), 81–100.

Rathi, B., Bodhankar, S., & Baheti, A. (2004). “Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant efficacy of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.” Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 36(4), 238-242.

Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C. (1995). Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, Vol. 4. Orient Longman Ltd.

Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, (2002). Published by Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), Mumbai.