Revisiting kinos--an Australian perspective

Abstract

The use of kinos, a class of polyphenol-rich, characteristically coloured astringent plant exudates, is a feature of many ethnomedical systems. Though once well-regarded in formal health care systems, since the mid 20th century they have declined in popularity. In view of the current interest in traditional medicines as a source of new therapeutic agents and the information published in the past 30 years in respect of the bioactivity of compounds known to occur in kinos, a review of the current knowledge of this class of plant exudates is overdue. This paper therefore presents information on the history, botany, natural formation, chemistry and pharmacology as well as technical and potential medical applications of kinos, with particular reference to those of Australian Eucalyptus species and Aboriginal ethnomedical and also early European settlers' practices.