Synonyms: Malbar Kino, Indian kino tree, Cochin Kino.
Biological Source It is unorganized drug obtained in dried juice of Pterocarpus marsupium Linn. The juice is collected by making incision on the stem bark.
Family: Leguminosae.
Geographical source: It is found in Ceylon and India (forest of Karnal, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa).
Description:
Form: Small, glistering, angular grain.
Size: Grains are 3 to 5 mm in diameter and sometimes more than 10 mm.
Colour: Transparent or dark ruby red.
Odour: None or odourless.
Taste: Astringent.
Solubility: Partially soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water and alcohol.
Constituents:
The chief constituent of kino is kinotannic acid (70 to 80 percent). Other constituents are kino red, Catechol (κ-pyrocatechin), tannin (gallic acid) and resins.
Chemical Test:
1. When drug solution is treated with ferrous sulphate, it produces green colour.
2. Drug solution is added in alkali solution like potassium hydroxide, purple or violet colour develops.
3. A precipitate is formed with mineral acid treatment.
Uses:
It is used as astringent, in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, bleeding gums and toothache and diabetes. It is also used in dyeing, painting and tanning industries.