Photo: Boulger, George Simonds, 1853-1922 / Wikimedia Commons, No restrictions
Vijaysar विजयसार
Pterocarpus marsupium
Part used: Heartwood
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Pterocarpus marsupium
- Part used: Heartwood
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Heartwood decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; wood powder 3–6 g per day.
Vijaysar in other languages
Introduction
Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium) is the Indian kino tree, whose deep red heartwood is Ayurveda's best-known drug for Prameha — the group of metabolic and urinary disorders that includes diabetes.
Its most familiar form is the wooden tumbler: water left overnight in a Vijaysar beaker turns amber and is drunk in the morning. The tree also yields a red astringent gum, kino.
Classification
Family Fabaceae. Heartwood is officinal; the gum (kino) is used separately. Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in Prameha and Madhumeha, in obesity, and in chronic skin disease and diarrhoea for its astringency. The gum is used in bleeding and as a gargle. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath.
Vijaysar in Prameha
The classical drug for metabolic and urinary disorders, and the one most consistently named across the texts for Madhumeha.
Vijaysar as an astringent
Its kashaya rasa is used in diarrhoea, in bleeding and in chronic skin complaints, and the gum is a strong local astringent.
Dosage — how much to take
Heartwood decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; wood powder 3–6 g per day. As a tumbler, water steeped overnight and drunk in the morning.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Vijaysar?
The citations held for Vijaysar in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana 6 — Prameha Chikitsa); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga — Asana / Vijayasara).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Vijaysar?
Named among the principal drugs for Prameha. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Chikitsasthana 6 — Prameha Chikitsa.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Vijaysar?
Kashaya-tikta rasa, sheeta virya; pramehahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Asana / Vijayasara.
What is Vijaysar traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in Prameha and Madhumeha, in obesity, and in chronic skin disease and diarrhoea for its astringency. The gum is used in bleeding and as a gargle. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Vijaysar?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Vijaysar classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Vijaysar carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Vijaysar is used medicinally?
The part used is Heartwood.
How much Vijaysar is taken, and how?
Heartwood decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; wood powder 3–6 g per day. As a tumbler, water steeped overnight and drunk in the morning. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Vijaysar be avoided?
Well tolerated. Anyone taking medication for diabetes should tell their physician before using it, and should not reduce or stop prescribed treatment — blood sugar needs monitoring if both are used. Astringent, so heavy prolonged use may constipate. Pterocarpus marsupium is under pressure from over-harvesting.
Where does Vijaysar grow?
A deciduous tree of central and southern India, common in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and the Western Ghats.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga — Asana / Vijayasara
Kashaya-tikta rasa, sheeta virya; pramehahara. - Charaka Samhita — Chikitsasthana 6 — Prameha Chikitsa
Named among the principal drugs for Prameha.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated. Anyone taking medication for diabetes should tell their physician before using it, and should not reduce or stop prescribed treatment — blood sugar needs monitoring if both are used. Astringent, so heavy prolonged use may constipate. Pterocarpus marsupium is under pressure from over-harvesting.
Where it grows
A deciduous tree of central and southern India, common in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and the Western Ghats.
Frequently asked questions
Does the wooden tumbler really work?
It is the traditional method — water steeped overnight extracts the water-soluble constituents. It is a classical practice, not a substitute for prescribed diabetes treatment.
Can I stop my diabetes medication?
No. Tell your physician if you are using Vijaysar, keep monitoring your blood sugar, and never alter prescribed treatment on your own.
