Vengai, vijaysar or bijasal in Hindi and asana in Sanskrit, is the Indian kino tree, a large forest tree whose bark yields a red gum, kino, and whose heartwood is sold as vijaysar. Folk practice keeps water overnight in a vijaysar wood tumbler and drinks it for diabetes. The tree is prized for timber, and overcutting has made it scarce. Vengai is also the Tamil word for tiger, and the tree appears in Sangam poetry.
- Botanical name
- Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Vengai
- Hindi
- Bijasal
- Sanskrit
- Asana
- Parts used
- Heartwood in lists
- Habit
- Large deciduous kino tree; its heartwood is the vijaysar of the herb trade
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Vengai
It is a large deciduous tree, often twenty to thirty metres, with grey bark that oozes red gum when cut.
The leaves are pinnate, with five to seven leathery, oval leaflets.
Fragrant yellow pea-flowers grow in large clusters.
The pod is round and flat, surrounded by a broad, papery wing.
The heartwood is golden-brown, and water left standing in it turns yellowish-brown.
Traditional use of Vengai
Folk use
Water left overnight in a vijaysar tumbler is drunk in the morning as a folk remedy for diabetes.
Indian folk practice
Ayurveda
Asana heartwood is used in Ayurvedic formulas for diabetes and skin.
Ayurvedic practice
Timber
Its strong wood is used for furniture, doors and carts.
Indian timber practice
Modern notes on Vengai
The heartwood contains pterostilbene and other compounds studied for effects on blood sugar.
Small human studies suggest modest effects but are not strong enough to replace diabetes treatment.
Kino gum is rich in tannins and has been used as an astringent.
Vengai safety
People with diabetes should not stop prescribed medicines for vijaysar, and should check their sugar if they try it, since it may add to the effect of their medicines.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in deciduous forests of central and peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Bees visit its yellow flowers.
Its winged pods are carried by wind.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Vengai
What is vijaysar?
The heartwood of this tree.
Does a vijaysar tumbler treat diabetes?
Evidence is limited; keep taking prescribed medicine.
What is kino?
A red gum from the bark.
Is Vengai endangered?
Overcutting has made it scarce in many areas.
What does vengai mean?
It is also the Tamil word for tiger.
Sources
- Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q2385259 (Pterocarpus marsupium)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.