Vijaysar: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and more!

Introduction

Vijaysar is a plant drug used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is scientifically known as Pterocarpus marsupium and belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant grows naturally in India, Srilanka, and Nepal.¹ It has been used for thousands of years for managing various disease conditions.¹

Vijaysar is called the Indian kino tree or Malabar tree in English; Vijayasar or Bija in Hindi; Asana or Bijaka in Sanskrit; Biyo in Gujarati; Bijasara in Kannada; Lal Chandeur in Kashmiri; Piyasala or Pittasala in Bengali; Venga in Malayam; Bibila in Marathi; Piashala in Oriya; Channanlal in Panjabi; Vengai in Tamil; Yegi in Telugu; and Bijasar in Urdu.^1,2

Nutritional Benefits of Vijaysar

Vijaysar has various nutrients and chemical compounds like carbohydrates, fats, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins and tannins. It is also high in polyphenolic compounds (micronutrients that occur in plants).³ 

Properties of Vijaysar

Vijaysar has various helpful properties like:

• It may show antibacterial property
• It may show anti-cancer property
• It may show liver-protective activity
• It may help with cataracts
• It may help reduce blood lipids¹
• It may show memory-enhancing potential
• It may show antidiarrhoeal property³
• It may help reduce fever
• It may show anti-helminthic (used to destroy parasitic worms) property
• It may show antioxidant property
• It may show anti-inflammatory potential⁴
• It may show the immunomodulatory (a substance that affects the functioning of the immune system) potential
• It may show antidiabetic activity^4,5

In my experience, Vijaysar’s rasayani dravya may aid in reducing ageing. Vijaysar may promote tissue regeneration, antioxidant activity, and tissue healing.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Vijaysar

1. Potential Uses of Vijaysar for Bacterial Infection

Antibacterial properties of Vijaysar stem and bark extract have been demonstrated by laboratory studies. Stem extract showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus coagulans and Escherichia coli, which cause stomach infections. Vijaysar has also been studied to have antibacterial activity against other bacteria such as Streptococcus pyrogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both laboratory and animal studies.¹ However, if you are suffering from bacterial infection, reach out to your healthcare provider and get treated. Avoid using herbs or remedies to treat infections without consulting your doctor first.

2. Potential Uses of Vijaysar in Cancer

Two components in Vijaysar extract were found to inhibit the multiplication and spread of cancer cells to other organs. Vijaysar could also induce the death of cancer cells and is reported to have anti-cancer properties. It may also be used to manage prostate and breast cancer.¹ However, more research is needed to support the use of vijaysar in cancer. You are advised not to use any herbs for cancer without consulting your doctor.

3. Potential Uses of Vijaysar in Diabetes

Since ancient times, Vijaysar has been a highly effective antidiabetic agent. It may lower blood sugar levels by protecting and regenerating insulin-producing cells. Many animal studies have shown that it could reverse beta cell (insulin-producing cells) damage and restore normal insulin levels. Clinical studies have shown that Vijaysar has blood sugar lowering properties without causing any side effects.¹ However, diabetes is a serious health condition that requires you to strictly adhere to the doctor’s advice and treatment. Avoid using herbal remedies to treat diabetes without first talking to your healthcare provider.

4. Potential Uses of Vijaysar for the Heart

Vijaysar heartwood (dense inner part of a tree trunk) extract could show lipid-lowering activity in lab trials. The extract could also reduce total blood cholesterol levels. It might reduce bad cholesterol while having no effect on good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol raises the chances of heart problems.¹

According to a lab study, Vijaysar extract showed excellent heart stimulating activity (an activity that increases efficiency and muscle contraction of the heart). In addition, Vijaysar could stimulate the heart to increase its force and rate of contraction, according to another lab study.¹ These properties of vijaysar have been observed in lab studies. However, more research is required to support the use of vijaysar for heart problems. In case of any heart problems, you need to speak to your healthcare provider.  

5. Potential Uses of Vijaysar for the Liver

In a study, the liver-protective activity of Vijaysar bark extract was investigated. The study demonstrated that biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes (used to assess liver function) were controlled after using vijaysar, a sign of a healthy liver.¹ However, if you suffer from liver problems, using herbal remedies without consulting a doctor may damage the liver.

6. Potential Uses of Vijaysar for Diarrhoea

Vijaysar may show an antidiarrhoeal property. Heartwood extract of vijaysar could significantly benefit diarrhoea by reducing its frequency and severity during trials. In addition, studies supported that flavonoids (plant metabolites) of Vijaysar extract might be responsible for the antidiarrhoeal activity.³ If you are suffering from diarrhoea, make sure you have consulted your doctor first. 

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7. Potential Uses of Vijaysar for the Brain

Vijaysar was found to be a potent memory-enhancing agent, according to an animal study. In animal models, administration of Vijaysar extracts reduced drug-induced amnesia (loss of memory). In addition, vijaysar extract has phytoconstituents like saponins that may show nootropic activity (an activity that enhances brain performance). However, in case of any problems associated with the brain, you should consult your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis.³ Self-treating may worsen your symptoms.

Vijaysar bark and leaves have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant qualities that may cleanse the blood. From my experience, this plant may help you in several hair issues, including dandruff, folliculitis, itching, and hair infections. Vijaysar may improve blood circulation while nourishing the hair follicles to stop hair loss.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Other Potential Uses of Vijaysar

• The leaves of Vijaysar may be used for managing boils, sores, skin diseases, and stomach pain;
• The flowers may be used for fever.
• The gum may be used for diarrhoea, stomach infections and leucorrhoea (abnormal vaginal discharge).
• The bark may be used for astringent property (causes contraction of body tissues) and for toothache.
• In addition, decoctions of bark and resin (fluid-like thick substance) have traditionally been used to treat cancer cells and urinary tract discharges.
• The heartwood may be used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.¹

Though there are studies showing the benefits of the vijaysar in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of vijaysar on human health. 

Also Read: Nagkesar – Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Vijaysar decoction consumption may impair a person’s capacity to taste sweet foods. This may successfully reduce cravings while promoting a healthy lifestyle. From my experience, Vijaysar has a lot of alkaloids and flavonoids, which may aid in weight loss. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein, or Bad Cholesterol) buildup is also believed to be decreased by bark powder.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Vijaysar?

There are many ways to make use of Vijaysar. All its plant parts listed below offer some benefits for human use.

• Leaves
• Flowers
• Gum
• Bark
• And resins ¹

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking vijaysar or any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

An extract from the bark and roots of Vijaysar has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. In my experience, when gently massaged into the eyelids and removed after 15 minutes, Vijaysar oil may minimise the swelling, redness, and discomfort associated with eye infections. In addition, Vijaysar oil may ease eye pain and strain and may promote clear vision.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Side Effects of Vijaysar

Vijaysar does not cause any major side effects when administered in prescribed doses.¹ However, if you experience any mild or severe side effects after using vijaysar, immediately reach out to your healthcare provider.

Also, do not use Vijaysar or any Ayurvedic medicine without consulting your physician first.

Precautions to Take With Vijaysar

Vijaysar is an Ayurvedic medicine with many therapeutic properties. However, you need to exercise precautions such as:

• Vijaysar should be avoided if you have constipation. It may increase this problem due to its astringent property.¹
• There is no safety data on using Vijaysar during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it should be used only after consulting a doctor.

Also, before using vijaysar for its medicinal properties, make sure you have consulted your healthcare provider or physician about its possible precautions.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Vijaysar has significant effects on blood sugar levels. People on antidiabetic medications should avoid taking Vijaysar because it can cause a considerable drop in blood sugar.¹

If you are taking medicines for any health conditions, you need to talk to your healthcare provider regarding the possible interactions of the drug with other herbs and medicines.

Also Read: Lodhra: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Singh Mahalwal V, Ali M. Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Pterocarpus marsupium: A review. The Pharma Innovation Journal [Internet]. 2016;5(4):31–9. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303370375 

2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India Part-I. Vol. 1. Government Of India Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare Department Of Ayush; Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf 

3. Ahmed Hilal RK. Pharmacology of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Medicinal Plant Research. 2015;5(3):1–6. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281740597_Pharmacology_of_Pterocarpus_marsupium_Roxb 

4. Sukhadiya M, Chintan D, Behera L, Mehta A, Dholariya C, Behera LK, et al. Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxb.): Biography Of Excellent Timber Tree Species. MFP NEWS [Internet]. 2019;XXIX(1):4. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332697158 

5. Halagappa K, Girish HN, Srinivasan BP. The study of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. on cytokine TNF-α in type 2 diabetic rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology [Internet]. 2010 Nov [cited 2022 Apr 13];42(6):392. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2991700/ 

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