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Indian Kino Tree Stem Extract

Also known as: Indian Kino Tree, Bijasar, Vijaysar, Pterocarpus marsupium

Overview

Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as the Indian Kino Tree, is a leguminous tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Its stem bark and heartwood extracts have been extensively utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, primarily for the management of conditions such as diabetes, diarrhea, and various skin ailments. The extract is rich in a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Research indicates that Pterocarpus marsupium possesses significant antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. While numerous preclinical and animal studies support these applications, large-scale human clinical trials are limited. The current body of evidence is predominantly derived from in vitro and animal models, with some small-scale human data that lacks the rigor of randomized controlled trials, suggesting a need for more robust clinical validation.

Benefits

Pterocarpus marsupium exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and animal studies. Its most prominent benefit is its antidiabetic effect, demonstrated by significant blood glucose reduction, improved insulin secretion, and β-cell regeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Studies have shown reductions in blood glucose by up to 36% and increases in insulin levels by over 125% in diabetic rats. These effects are attributed to active compounds like (−) epicatechin, which enhance insulin release and signaling pathways (AKT, AMPK). The extract also shows hepatoprotective activity, with methanolic extracts of the stem bark protecting against liver damage in animal models by normalizing oxidative stress markers. Additionally, it possesses antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and anti-diarrheal effects, reducing intestinal motility in rat models. Protection against diabetic cataract formation via aldose reductase inhibition has also been observed in diabetic rats.

How it works

The antidiabetic effects of Pterocarpus marsupium are primarily mediated through the protection and regeneration of pancreatic β-cells, leading to enhanced insulin secretion and improved insulin signaling pathways, including AKT and AMPK. Flavonoids and tannins, key bioactive compounds in the extract, contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing oxidative stress in pancreatic and hepatic tissues. The inhibition of aldose reductase by certain compounds helps prevent diabetic complications such as cataracts. The antimicrobial activity is likely due to tannins and phenolic compounds that disrupt bacterial cell walls. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, flavonoids generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability.

Side effects

Overall, Pterocarpus marsupium extracts appear to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies at the tested doses, with no significant adverse effects or toxicity reported in the reviewed literature. However, human safety data are sparse, and while traditional use suggests low toxicity, robust clinical trials are needed to confirm this. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified in the current literature. Due to the lack of comprehensive human data, caution is advised for pregnant and lactating individuals. It is important to note that while preclinical data are promising, the absence of extensive human safety trials means that potential rare or long-term side effects cannot be definitively ruled out. Users should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating this supplement, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Dosage guidelines for Pterocarpus marsupium are not well-established for human use, as most research has been conducted in animal models. Animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg body weight of methanolic or ethanolic extracts. Human equivalent doses have not been formally determined. Traditional Ayurvedic practices typically involve the use of aqueous decoctions or heartwood infusions. The optimal dosing, timing of administration, and specific formulation (e.g., extract standardization) for human therapeutic use require further rigorous clinical validation. Due to the limited human data, there are no established upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption. Any use should be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, particularly given the lack of comprehensive human safety and efficacy data.

FAQs

Is Pterocarpus marsupium effective for diabetes?

Preclinical evidence strongly supports its glucose-lowering and β-cell protective effects in animal models. However, robust human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy in humans.

Is Pterocarpus marsupium safe?

It appears safe in animal studies with no major toxicity reported. Human safety data are limited, but traditional use suggests a low risk. More research is needed to confirm long-term human safety.

How long does it take to see effects?

Animal studies have shown observable effects, such as blood glucose reduction, within 2 to 3 weeks of supplementation. Human response times may vary and are not yet clinically established.

Can it replace conventional diabetes medication?

No, there is no clinical evidence to support Pterocarpus marsupium as a replacement for conventional diabetes medication. It may be considered as a complementary therapy only under strict medical supervision.

Research Sources

https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-3-6-359.pdf – This review summarizes the pharmacological activities of Pterocarpus marsupium, highlighting its hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects observed primarily in animal studies. It notes the lack of extensive human clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5857511/ – This animal randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract in STZ-diabetic rats. Findings showed significant reductions in blood glucose (12-36%), increased insulin levels (39-126%), improved body weight, and inhibition of aldose reductase, indicating strong antidiabetic potential in preclinical models.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3687502/ – This systematic review of various animal studies confirms the β-cell regenerative, insulin secretion-enhancing, and antioxidant effects of Pterocarpus marsupium. It emphasizes the promising preclinical data but points out the critical need for large-scale human clinical trials to validate these findings.