East Indian Sandalwood
Santalum album
Santalum album is a species of sandalwood used extensively in various traditional medicinal systems. It is traditionally applied to address conditions such as infections, dysentery, nausea, acne, and various types of pain, including bone aches. Scientific research has identified specific proline stereoisomers in the wood powder and has demonstrated that sandalwood seed oil may possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and Tyrosinase inhibitory activities. Some studies on related species have shown moderate activity against breast cancer cells, though evidence for Santalum album specifically remains limited. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- gonorrhea · infections
- Traditions
- TCM · Ayurveda · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- gonorrhea
- infections
- carminative
- dysentery
- nausea
- acne
- analgesic
- anodyne
- bilious
- bones ache
- bronchitis
- callus
- cholera
- cystitis
- diuretic
What the science says
- Santalum album wood powder contained all six proline stereoisomers, with the D-enantiomer being dominant for trans-4-hydroxyproline.
- The study isolated and characterized compounds from Santalum yasi, including a new acetylenic acid and a stilbene glycoside, with one compound showing moderate activity against breast cancer cells.
- Sandal seed oil showed promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and Tyrosinase inhibitory activities.
- Low-dose Kuanxiong Aerosol provided significant cardioprotective effects comparable to ISMN in a rat AMI model, while high-dose was less effective.
- Sandalwood's FAA profiles vary significantly depending on the host plant during water deficit stress, with Pongamia pinnata enhancing specific amino acid accumulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is East Indian Sandalwood?
East Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is East Indian Sandalwood traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record East Indian Sandalwood for: gonorrhea, infections, carminative, dysentery, nausea, acne. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use East Indian Sandalwood?
East Indian Sandalwood appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Ayurveda, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about East Indian Sandalwood?
5 sourced findings are recorded for East Indian Sandalwood; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Santalum album wood powder contained all six proline stereoisomers, with the D-enantiomer being dominant for trans-4-hydroxyproline.
How strong is the evidence for East Indian Sandalwood?
The strongest finding for East Indian Sandalwood carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is East Indian Sandalwood safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for East Indian Sandalwood in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does East Indian Sandalwood interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for East Indian Sandalwood in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of East Indian Sandalwood?
East Indian Sandalwood is also known as: Сантал белый, Santal blanc, Bois de santal.
Is East Indian Sandalwood a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Acetylenic Fatty Acids and Stilbene Glycosides Isolated from Santalum yasi Collected from the Fiji Islands. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative cardioprotective effects of Kuanxiong Aerosol and its individual components in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Quantification of L- and D-enantiomers of proline, trans-4-hydroxyproline, and cis-4-hydroxyproline in natural samples using differential labeling with 12C- and 13C6-dabsyl chloride, chiral separation, and liquid chromatography-mass spectro literature abstract metadata
- T2 Isolation, characterisation and evaluation of pharmacological activity of Santalum album L. seed oil. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Host-dependent variation in free amino acid profiles and physiological responses enhancing drought tolerance in Santalum album. literature abstract metadata