East Indian Sandalwood
Santalum album
Santalum album, commonly known as sandalwood, is an evergreen tree native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used in medicine; however, its wood powder was found to contain all six proline stereoisomers, with the D-enantiomer being dominant for trans-4-hydroxyproline. Scientific studies have isolated compounds from related species like Santalum yasi, including a new acetylenic acid and a stilbene glycoside, one of which showed moderate activity against breast cancer cells. Additionally, sandal seed oil and ximenynic acid demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and Tyrosinase inhibitory activities. In rats, low-dose Kuanxiong Aerosol provided significant cardioprotective effects comparable to ISMN in an acute myocardial infarction model, while high doses were less effective. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been noted for Santalum album.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
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 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
- 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