Indian Kinotree

Botanical

What is it

Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), also called bijasal or vijaysar, is an Indian hardwood tree whose heartwood and bark are used in Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes, inflammation, and skin disorders.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Type 2 diabetes (glycemic control)

Limited Evidence

Indian clinical studies show modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c. Trials are mostly small and conducted in India; replication in other populations is limited.

How it works

The heartwood contains pterostilbene, marsupin, and other polyphenols thought to enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity. Indian studies have evaluated 'vijaysar tumblers' (water stored overnight in wooden cups) and standardized extracts for type 2 diabetes, with several trials reporting reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c. Pterostilbene also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical work.

Dosage

No RDA. Traditional doses are 2-4 g/day of dried heartwood as a decoction; standardized extracts use 250-500 mg twice daily.

When and how to take it

Typically taken before meals to support postprandial glucose; effects develop over 4-12 weeks.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Heartwood powder/decoction

Used in Ayurvedic practice.

Traditional preparation.

Standardized extract

Modern supplement form.

Often standardized to total polyphenols.

Safety

Well tolerated in clinical trials. Hypoglycemia is theoretical when combined with diabetes medication.

Who should be cautious

People on diabetes medication should monitor closely. Pregnancy and lactation: insufficient data, generally avoid concentrated extracts.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with antidiabetic medications. Monitor blood glucose when starting.

Frequently asked questions

Can vijaysar replace diabetes medication?⌄

No. It may modestly support glycemic control but is not a substitute for prescribed therapy. Coordinate with your clinician.

Are vijaysar wooden tumblers effective?⌄

Traditional practice; small studies suggest some effect, but standardized extracts give more predictable dosing.

References

Indian Kinotree on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Indian Kinotree (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.