Pterocarpus santalinus (Pterocarpus santalinus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Pterocarpus santalinus work in the body?

Pterocarpus santalinus exerts its effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. Active compounds such as pterostilbene, flavonoids, and savinin help inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and scavenge free radicals, which supports its traditional use for inflammation and skin conditions. The presence of santalin A and B contributes to its distinct therapeutic profile. While these mechanisms are biologically plausible, robust clinical trials are necessary to fully confirm them (Evidence level: C).

Does red sandalwood interact with blood thinners?

Yes, Pterocarpus santalinus is contraindicated for individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. The herb may enhance blood-thinning effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising when combined with drugs like warfarin or aspirin. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should avoid this herb unless specifically monitored by a healthcare provider (Evidence level: C).

What is the recommended dosage for Pterocarpus santalinus?

The standard adult dosage for Pterocarpus santalinus is 1 to 3 grams of the red heartwood powder, taken twice daily. It is commonly administered as a tea or applied externally as a paste for skin conditions. Users should follow specific product instructions or consult a qualified practitioner, as dosages can vary based on the formulation and intended use (Evidence level: Traditional).

Is red sandalwood safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Pterocarpus santalinus is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Traditional usage and safety assessments indicate potential risks, leading to its contraindication for pregnant women. It is advised to avoid this herb while pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent any adverse effects on fetal development or uterine function (Evidence level: C).

What are the benefits of red sandalwood for skin conditions?

Red sandalwood is traditionally used in Ayurveda to manage various skin conditions, including acne, rashes, and inflammation. Its cooling and antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds like pterostilbene, help soothe irritated skin and promote healing when applied as a paste. While widely used in folk medicine, high-quality clinical trials are needed to validate these effects (Evidence level: C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Pterocarpus santalinus, commonly known as Red Sanders, is a deciduous tree endemic to the Eastern Ghats of South India used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [PMID:27041873, PMID:33915135, PMID:37358820].

Background

Pterocarpus santalinus is an endangered, economically important timber species native to the southern parts of the Eastern Ghats in India [PMID:37358820, PMID:37464731]. Its heartwood is highly valued internationally for its deep red color and fragrant texture [PMID:37358820].

Traditional uses

In Ayurveda and Siddha, it is used to treat inflammatory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and metabolic disorders [PMID:27041873, PMID:42261177]. It has also been traditionally employed for treating fever and mental aberrations [PMID:38242042], as well as for its anthelmintic, tonic, antihyperglycemic, and diaphoretic properties [PMID:30609435].

Active compounds

The plant contains a diverse phytochemical profile including terpenoids, steroids, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, benzofurans, coumarins, lignans, pterocarpans, aurones, and chalcones [PMID:42261177]. Specific identified compounds include pterostilbene [PMID:33801098], lupeol [PMID:39842236], and various sesquiterpenes such as canusesnol K and L [PMID:28581822].

Mechanism of action

P. santalinus may exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the activity of NF-κB and inhibiting the induction of E-selectin and VCAM-1 in endothelial cells [PMID:35115943]. Pterostilbene, a constituent of the heartwood, can inhibit adrenocorticotropic hormone production in the brain to weaken Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defenses in certain cancers [PMID:33801098]. In skin fibroblasts, it inhibits the MAPK/AP-1 pathway and activates TGF-β/Smad to reduce matrix metalloproteinases [PMID:28858391].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes Mellitus

Aqueous extract (250 mg/kg) in rats ameliorated streptozotocin-induced diabetes via anti-inflammatory pathways and enhanced insulin function [PMID:31579450]. Lupeol from leaves showed α-amylase inhibition in vitro [PMID:39842236].

Evidence DBreast Cancer

Ethanolic seed extract demonstrated antitumour activity against DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats [PMID:32913391].

Evidence DAtopic Dermatitis

Extract inhibited allergic responses and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice [PMID:30609435].

Evidence DHepatotoxicity

Heartwood methanolic extract (250mg/kg) provided protective effects against alcohol-induced oxidative/nitrosative liver damage in rats [PMID:27544549].

Evidence DDepression/Stress

Intranasal essential oil (20 mg/kg) reversed social withdrawal and behavioral impairments in social defeat stress-exposed mice [PMID:38242042].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

A case of allergic contact dermatitis from red sandalwood has been reported [PMID:8789238]. In vitro studies on 3T3-L1 cells showed the chloroform bioactive fraction was non-toxic up to 300 μg/ml [PMID:33968577].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and literature reviews. There are no human clinical trials (RCTs) provided in the source abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 27041873 (2016) — Therapeutic Potential of Pterocarpus santalinus L.: An Update. · Pharmacognosy reviews
2.PMID: 33801098 (2021) — Pterostilbene in Cancer Therapy. · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 39701747 (2024) — [Textual research on Zitan]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
4.PMID: 33915135 (2021) — Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 32913391 (2020) — Antitumour Property of Pterocarpus santalinus Seeds Against DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer in Rats. · Breast cancer : basic and clinical research

Pterocarpus santalinus

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Pterocarpus santalinus