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== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
In traditional Indian medicine, Chandana is categorized primarily as a *Sheeta* (cooling) and *Pittahara* (Pitta-pacifying) dravya. Its historical utility spans dermatology, management of systemic inflammatory conditions, internal hemorrhages, and the alleviation of mental stress and burning sensations.


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
Sweta Chandana, Bhadrashree (impart beauty to one who use), Shrikhanda, Gandhasara (has good aroma), Malayaj (grow in malay region)
* Sweta Chandana
* Bhadrashree (impart beauty to one who use)
* Shrikhanda  
* Gandhasara (has good aroma)
* Malayaj (grow in malay region)


==Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
==Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
Tailaparnika, chandradhuti (has cooling effect like that of moon rays)<ref name="Bhavaprakasha">Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235</ref>
* Tailaparnika,
* chandradhuti (has cooling effect like that of moon rays)<ref name="Bhavaprakasha">Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235</ref>


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
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== Phytochemical Composition ==
== Phytochemical Composition ==
The unique aromatic fragrance and broad therapeutic efficacy of ''Santalum album'' stem from its rich secondary metabolite spectrum found within the heartwood:
The unique aromatic fragrance and broad therapeutic efficacy of ''Santalum album'' stem from its rich secondary metabolite spectrum found within the heartwood:
* '''Volatile Sesquiterpenes:''' Highly concentrated in essential oils, predominantly containing $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol.
* '''Volatile Sesquiterpenes:''' Highly concentrated in essential oils, predominantly containing $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol; ''cis''-$\alpha$-santalol is the major sesquiterpene alcohol, followed by ''cis''-$\beta$-santalol, with other compounds in lesser quantities.<ref name="Subasinghe2013"/>
* '''Other Terpenoids:''' Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as epi-$\beta$-santalol, lanceol, and turmerone derivatives.
* '''Polyphenolic Constituents:''' Phenolics, terpenoids, saponins and flavan-3-ols were the major constituents reported in an in vitro callus extract, indicating antioxidant potential (data are from callus culture, not heartwood).<ref name="MisraDey2012JPP"/>
* '''Polyphenolic Constituents:''' Tannins and flavonoids providing notable antioxidant capabilities.


== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Properties ===
=== Anti-inflammatory Properties ===
Chandana is classically recognized as a premier coolant (*Dahaprashamana*) and is scientifically validated for managing systemic inflammatory responses and elevated body temperatures.
Chandana is classically recognized as a premier coolant (*Dahaprashamana*) and has shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental skin-cell models.
* '''Mechanism:''' Active sesquiterpenes suppress inflammatory cascades by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing lipid peroxidation.
* '''Mechanism:''' Sandalwood oils and purified $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Preclinical studies indicate that sandalwood extracts significantly reduce acute and chronic swelling and modulate thermal response parameters in animal models <ref name="Moyob2007"/>.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In co-cultured human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, sandalwood oils and purified $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol reduced cytokine/chemokine production (in vitro).<ref name="Sharma2014"/>
 
=== Anti-inflammatory Skin Disease (Eczema and Psoriasis) ===
In alignment with its traditional use in skin disorders, sandalwood oil has been studied in inflammatory skin disease.
* '''Mechanism:''' East Indian sandalwood oil suppressed phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, PDE4 and PDE7 transcript levels and NF-$\kappa$B activation in stimulated human cell lines.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Treatment of a psoriasis model reduced PDE4 expression and reversed histopathology, and 75% of paediatric eczema/atopic dermatitis patients treated with topical sandalwood oil formulations achieved a >50% reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score; the clinical data are early-stage and need confirmation in controlled trials.<ref name="Sharma2018"/>
 
=== Antibacterial Actions ===
In alignment with its traditional classification under *Kandughna* and *Varnya* Mahakashayas, ''Santalum album'' has been tested for antibacterial activity.
* '''Mechanism:''' Extracts are rich in terpenoids, saponins, phenolics and tannins, which are considered to contribute to the activity.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Extracts of callus, somatic embryo, seedlings and leaves screened against thirteen bacterial strains showed antibacterial activity; somatic embryo extract was strongest and comparable with sandalwood oil (in vitro; non-heartwood extracts).<ref name="MisraDey2012LAM"/>
 
=== Neuro-physiological (Relaxing) Effects ===
Traditional aromatherapy and topical applications are associated with soothing effects.
* '''Mechanism:''' Not established; the study reported autonomic (physiological) changes after absorption through the skin.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In a randomised study in healthy volunteers, transdermal $\alpha$-santalol caused physiological changes interpreted as relaxing/sedative, while sandalwood oil produced physiological deactivation with behavioural activation (inhalation was excluded by breathing masks).<ref name="Hongratanaworakit2004"/>


=== Antimicrobial and Dermal Healing Actions ===
=== Anti-hyperglycaemic and Antioxidant Effects ===
In alignment with its traditional classification under *Kandughna* and *Varnya* Mahakashayas, *Santalum album* exhibits marked efficacy against dermatological pathogens and surface lesions.
Relevant to the classical use of Chandana in *Prameha* (diabetes), as listed in the Charak Samhita table above.
* '''Mechanism:''' The active essential oils and tannins precipitate microbial membrane proteins, impairing integrity and preventing pathogenic colonization or biofilm creation.
* '''Mechanism:''' Modulation of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation was observed alongside improved glycaemic parameters.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Laboratory evaluations confirm potent inhibitory activity against common bacterial strains and dermatophytes responsible for cutaneous infections and pruritus.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, intraperitoneal $\alpha$-santalol (100 mg/kg) and sandalwood oil (1 g/kg) for one week brought blood glucose, body weight, liver glycogen and lipid peroxides towards normal; similar treatment in D-galactose-induced oxidative stress modulated liver enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase (animal data).<ref name="MisraDey2013"/>


=== Neuroprotective and Anxiolytic Effects ===
=== Anticancer (Chemopreventive) Effects ===
Traditional aromatherapy and internal applications demonstrate prominent central nervous system soothing effects.
* '''Mechanism:''' Induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells is the most reported mechanism of $\alpha$-santalol.
* '''Mechanism:''' Bioactive volatile components cross the blood-brain barrier to modulate neurotransmitter receptors, helping reduce oxidative stress markers in brain tissues.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Cell-line and animal studies report chemopreventive effects of sandalwood oil and $\alpha$-santalol in skin carcinogenesis in mice and in melanoma, non-melanoma, breast and prostate cancer models; no clinical efficacy has been demonstrated.<ref name="Santha2015"/>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Investigations on human and animal subjects show that inhalation or administration of sandalwood oil lowers autonomic arousal parameters, reduces systolic blood pressure, and induces calm physiological states <ref name="Kuroda2005"/>.


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Toxicity Profile:''' *Santalum album* exhibits a high margin of safety in standard culinary, topical, and therapeutic doses. Acute toxicity profiles show minimal adverse risks under standard usage conditions.
* '''Toxicity Profile:''' Sandalwood oil and its major constituent have low acute oral and dermal toxicity in laboratory animals; available toxicity data are limited, and the oil is considered safe at present use levels.<ref name="Burdock2008"/>
* '''Precautions:''' Concentrated pure essential oils should be properly diluted with carrier oils prior to direct topical application to avoid skin sensitivity or local irritation.
* '''Precautions:''' Occasional irritation or sensitisation reactions to sandalwood oil have been reported in humans; concentrated essential oil should not be applied undiluted on skin.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''  
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''  
** *Heartwood Powder (Churna):* 3–6 g daily taken with honey, warm water, or appropriate vehicle (*anupana*).
** *Heartwood Powder (Churna):* 3–6 g, as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (see Dose above).
** *Decoction (Kwatha):* 50–100 mL split into standard doses.


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
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! Primary Pharmacological Action
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
|-
| '''Burning Sensation & Fever (Daha / Jwara)'''
| '''Inflammation and Burning Sensation (Daha)'''
| $\alpha$-santalol, $\beta$-santalol
| $\alpha$-santalol, $\beta$-santalol
| Sheeta veerya coolant, Anti-inflammatory
| Sheeta veerya coolant, suppression of cytokines/chemokines
|-
| '''Eczema, Psoriasis (Kushta / Kandu)'''
| Sandalwood oil sesquiterpenes
| PDE and NF-$\kappa$B suppression, anti-inflammatory
|-
| '''Bacterial Infection'''
| Terpenoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins
| Antibacterial (in vitro)
|-
|-
| '''Skin Disorders & Pruritus (Kushta / Kandu)'''
| '''Stress / Autonomic Regulation'''
| Sesquiterpenes, Tannins
| $\alpha$-santalol
| Antimicrobial, Antipruritic topical action
| Relaxing/sedative physiological effects (transdermal)
|-
|-
| '''Anxiety & Neurological Stress'''
| '''Diabetes (Prameha) and Oxidative Stress'''
| Volatile sesquiterpene oils
| $\alpha$-santalol, sandalwood oil
| CNS relaxation, Anxiolytic modulation
| Anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant (animal)
|-
|-
| '''Urinary Tract Discomfort (Prameha)'''
| '''Cancer Chemoprevention'''
| Phenolic constituents
| $\alpha$-santalol
| Antimicrobial, Mild diuretic action
| Cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis (preclinical)
|}
|}


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<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:93</ref>
<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:93</ref>
<ref name="Bhavaprakasha">Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235</ref>
<ref name="Bhavaprakasha">Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235</ref>
<ref name="Kuroda2005">{{cite journal |last1=Kuroda |first1=K. |last2=Inoue |first2=S. |last3=Nomura |first3=S. |last4=Nagashima |first4=H. |year=2005 |title=Sedative effects of the sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after inhalation |journal=Journal of Aromatherapy |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=25–32}}</ref>
<ref name="Subasinghe2013">{{cite journal |last1=Subasinghe |first1=U. |last2=Gamage |first2=M. |last3=Hettiarachchi |first3=D.S. |year=2013 |title=Essential oil content and composition of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) in Sri Lanka |journal=Journal of Forestry Research |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=127–130 |doi=10.1007/s11676-013-0331-3}}</ref>
<ref name="Moyob2007">{{cite journal |last1=Moyob |first1=D. |last2=Bansal |first2=P. |year=2007 |title=Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Santalum album extracts |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=113 |issue=2 |pages=315–320}}</ref>
<ref name="MisraDey2012JPP">{{cite journal |last1=Misra |first1=B.B. |last2=Dey |first2=S. |year=2012 |title=Phytochemical analyses and evaluation of antioxidant efficacy of in vitro callus extract of East Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album L.) |journal=Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=7–16}}</ref>
<ref name="Sharma2014">{{cite journal |last1=Sharma |first1=M. |last2=Levenson |first2=C. |display-authors=etal |year=2014 |title=Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine/chemokine production in skin cells by sandalwood oils and purified α-santalol and β-santalol |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=925–932}}</ref>
<ref name="Sharma2018">{{cite journal |last1=Sharma |first1=M. |last2=Levenson |first2=C. |last3=Browning |first3=J.C. |last4=Becker |first4=E.M. |last5=Clements |first5=I. |last6=Castella |first6=P. |last7=Cox |first7=M.E. |year=2018 |title=East Indian sandalwood oil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor: a new therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory skin disease |journal=Frontiers in Pharmacology |volume=9 |pages=200 |doi=10.3389/fphar.2018.00200}}</ref>
<ref name="MisraDey2012LAM">{{cite journal |last1=Misra |first1=B.B. |last2=Dey |first2=S. |year=2012 |title=Comparative phytochemical analysis and antibacterial efficacy of in vitro and in vivo extracts from East Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album L.) |journal=Letters in Applied Microbiology |volume=55 |issue=6 |pages=476–486}}</ref>
<ref name="Hongratanaworakit2004">{{cite journal |last1=Hongratanaworakit |first1=T. |last2=Heuberger |first2=E. |last3=Buchbauer |first3=G. |year=2004 |title=Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and α-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption |journal=Planta Medica |volume=70 |issue=1 |pages=3–7 |doi=10.1055/s-2004-815446}}</ref>
<ref name="MisraDey2013">{{cite journal |last1=Misra |first1=B.B. |last2=Dey |first2=S. |year=2013 |title=Evaluation of in vivo anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant potentials of α-santalol and sandalwood oil |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=20 |issue=5 |pages=409–416 |doi=10.1016/j.phymed.2012.12.017}}</ref>
<ref name="Santha2015">{{cite journal |last1=Santha |first1=S. |last2=Dwivedi |first2=C. |year=2015 |title=Anticancer effects of sandalwood (Santalum album) |journal=Anticancer Research |volume=35 |issue=6 |pages=3137–3145}}</ref>
<ref name="Burdock2008">{{cite journal |last1=Burdock |first1=G.A. |last2=Carabin |first2=I.G. |year=2008 |title=Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.) |journal=Food and Chemical Toxicology |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=421–432 |doi=10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.092}}</ref>
}}
}}


[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]
[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]

Latest revision as of 17:06, 8 October 2026

Santalum album L.

Chandana
Section/Chapter Herb database/Chandana
Botanical name(s) Santalum album L.
Family Santalaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Santalum album L., popularly known as Chandana (Sandalwood), is a small semi-parasitic tropical tree native to India, Indonesia, and Northern Australia, whose fragrant heartwood has been deeply revered in Ayurveda for its cooling, soothing, and medicinal properties.

English name

Sandalwood

Therapeutic uses

Sosha, daha (burning sensation), raktapitta (bleeding disorder), hikka, vamana (vomiting), raktatisara (bloody diarrhoea), pradara (discharge from vagina), sukrameha, netra roga (eye disease), mutragraha (dysuria), bhrama (vertigo), raktavikara (disorder of blood), krumi roga (worm)[1]

Other Varieties / Other Botanical names

  • Santalum yasi Seem.
  • Santalum freycinetianum Gaudich.
  • Santalum ellipticum J.W.Moore
  • Santalum austrocaledonicum Vieill.


Synonyms in Charak Samhita

  • Sweta Chandana
  • Bhadrashree (impart beauty to one who use)
  • Shrikhanda
  • Gandhasara (has good aroma)
  • Malayaj (grow in malay region)

Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

  • Tailaparnika,
  • chandradhuti (has cooling effect like that of moon rays)[2]

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Bitter (tikta), Sweet (madhura)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify pitta and kapha
6 Extra ordinary effect (prabhava) Daha-prashamana (Alleviates burning sensation)

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(8) Varnya mahakashaya (promoting complexion)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(14) Kandughna mahakashaya (anti-pruritic/itching)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(16) Vishaghna mahakashaya (anti-poisons/anti-dotes)
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(29) Trishna nigrahana mahakashaya (reducing thirst)
5 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(41) Dahaprashamana mahakashaya (pacifying burning sensation)
6 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(44) Angamarda prashamana mahakashaya (relieving body-ache)
7 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/21 Dhuma varti dravya
8 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/63 Anu taila dravya
9 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/25 Vihara dravya in Vasanta Rutu
10 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/31 Grishma Rutu Vihara
11 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Agrya Sangraha (collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions)
12 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
13 Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/32 Garbhashalya chikitsa
14 Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/57 Sharadkalin Trivritta Yoga
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/58 In formulation of dwitiya brahma rasayana
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/31 When patient is suffering with trusha as an ingredient of hriberadi paniya
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/45 As Yavagu prayoga
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/73 As an ingredient of ushiradi churna
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/76 As an ingredient of kiratatiktadi churna
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/78 Raktapitta-shamaka yoga in ugra raktapitta (bleeding disorder)
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/80 As an ingredient of Ushiradi peya
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/81 As an ingredient of Priyangvadi peya
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/99 Used in yoga of Nasagata raktapitta (bleeding from nose) in the form of Avapida nasya
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/108 As a lepa dravya
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/102 Used as Pradeha-Parisechana-Avagaha dravya
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/28 Used for making decoction in Kaphaj prameha (diabetes)
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/30 Used for making decoction in Pittaj prameha (diabetes)
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/39 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha (diabetes)
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/50 Bahyaprayogarth lep in prameha (diabetes)
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/77 Ingredient in Shira-Pashva –Ansha Shula nashak lepa
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/78 Ingredient in Shira-Pashva –Ansha Shula nashak lepa
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/83 Ingredient in Lepa
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/85 Ingredient in Chandanadhya Tail for Abhyang
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/86 For Parishek purpose
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/37 Ingredient in Kalyanak Ghrita
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/42 Ingredient in Mahakalyanak Ghrita
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/37 Ingredient in Apasmar nashak Dhup and Pradeha
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/18 As a diet and drinks in treatment of Kshatakshin
40 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/53 Ingredient in Patolamuladi Kwath
41 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/68 For Pradeh and Abhyangarth as an External use
42 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/69 Snanarth dravya as an External use
43 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/69 As an External application
44 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/71 As a Lepa dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu (oedema)
45 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/186 Used for raktastambhana (for stop the bleeding)
46 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/187 For prashaman of raktarsha (bleeding piles)
47 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/193 Used in rakta arsha (bleeding piles)
48 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/221 Used for pratisarana in rakta arsha (bleeding piles)
49 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/225 As an ingredient of pichcha basti
50 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/230 As an ingredient of hriberadi ghrita
51 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/236 As an ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrita
52 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/125 As an ingredient of candanadhya ghrita
53 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/137 As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
54 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/148 As an ingredient of madhookasava
55 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/47 As an ingredient of Katukadi Ghrita
56 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/131 Candana mixed with stree dugdha is used for nasya in hikka svasa.
57 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/90 As an ingredient of sarkaradi leha
58 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 As a pana dravya
59 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/53 As a yoga dravya
60 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/86 Use with sarkara and madhu
61 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/32 Trusha & Chhardi-shamaka yoga
62 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/33 Trusha & Chhardi-shamaka yoga
63 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/54 For kashaya pana
64 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/55 For kashaya Pana
65 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/74 As an ingredient of Kaliyadi pralepa
66 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/75 As an ingredient of Shadvaladi pradeha
67 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 As an ingredient of Sarivadi pralepa
68 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/79 As an ingredient of Baladi alepa
69 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/38 Used in treatment of Trishna
70 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/41 Used in the treatment of Pittaja trushna
71 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/77 As an ingredient of Mahagandha hasti agada
72 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/98 Used as an ingredient of Vishaghna dhuma
73 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/190 As an ingredient of Mamsyadi yoga
74 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/191 As an ingredient of Chandanadi yoga
75 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/200 Used in the treatment of Luta visha (spider poison)
76 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/231 Used in the treatment of animals suffering with poison
77 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/242 As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita
78 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/153 Used for bahya upachara in Pittaja madatyaya (alcoholism)
79 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/155 Used in pittaja madatyaya (alcoholism)
80 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/156 Used in madhyajanita daha (burning due to alcoholism)
81 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/161 As an ingredient of Baladi taila for Vataja sirahshoola (headache)
82 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/177 Used for Pittaja sirahshoola (headache)
83 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/179 As an ingredient of Yashtyadi Ghrita
84 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/182 Used in Kaphaja sira shoola for dhoomavarti
85 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/208 As an ingredient of Khadiradi gutika
86 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/216 Used in Arochaka for Kavala
87 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/234 Used in Pittaja netraroga (eye disease)
88 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/276 As an ingredient of Prapoundrakadi taila
89 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/30 As an ingredient of Urustambha nashak Yoga
90 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/150 As an ingredient of Bala taila
91 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/158 As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
92 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/128 It is used in Sparshakarma for daha (burning sensation)
93 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/134 As an ingredient of Prapoundrakadi lepa in pitta pradhana vatarakta for vedana, daaha, visarpa, raga & sotha
94 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/275 Used in the treatment of Dorgandhya Stanya dosha, As an ingredient of Sarivadi lepa

Dose

3–6 gm of the drug in powder form.[1]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[1]

  • Ayaskruti
  • Ashwagandhadyarishta
  • Sarivadhyasava
  • Arimedadi taila
  • Baladhatryadi taila
  • Marma gutika
  • Chandanasava
  • Chandanadi churna
  • Chandanadi taila

Current availability

Available

  • In India – Cultivated and found mainly in southern states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Out of India – Found in parts of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.

Phytochemical Composition

The unique aromatic fragrance and broad therapeutic efficacy of Santalum album stem from its rich secondary metabolite spectrum found within the heartwood:

  • Volatile Sesquiterpenes: Highly concentrated in essential oils, predominantly containing $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol; cis-$\alpha$-santalol is the major sesquiterpene alcohol, followed by cis-$\beta$-santalol, with other compounds in lesser quantities.[3]
  • Polyphenolic Constituents: Phenolics, terpenoids, saponins and flavan-3-ols were the major constituents reported in an in vitro callus extract, indicating antioxidant potential (data are from callus culture, not heartwood).[4]

Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Chandana is classically recognized as a premier coolant (*Dahaprashamana*) and has shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental skin-cell models.

  • Mechanism: Sandalwood oils and purified $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
  • Scientific Evidence: In co-cultured human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, sandalwood oils and purified $\alpha$-santalol and $\beta$-santalol reduced cytokine/chemokine production (in vitro).[5]

Anti-inflammatory Skin Disease (Eczema and Psoriasis)

In alignment with its traditional use in skin disorders, sandalwood oil has been studied in inflammatory skin disease.

  • Mechanism: East Indian sandalwood oil suppressed phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, PDE4 and PDE7 transcript levels and NF-$\kappa$B activation in stimulated human cell lines.
  • Scientific Evidence: Treatment of a psoriasis model reduced PDE4 expression and reversed histopathology, and 75% of paediatric eczema/atopic dermatitis patients treated with topical sandalwood oil formulations achieved a >50% reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score; the clinical data are early-stage and need confirmation in controlled trials.[6]

Antibacterial Actions

In alignment with its traditional classification under *Kandughna* and *Varnya* Mahakashayas, Santalum album has been tested for antibacterial activity.

  • Mechanism: Extracts are rich in terpenoids, saponins, phenolics and tannins, which are considered to contribute to the activity.
  • Scientific Evidence: Extracts of callus, somatic embryo, seedlings and leaves screened against thirteen bacterial strains showed antibacterial activity; somatic embryo extract was strongest and comparable with sandalwood oil (in vitro; non-heartwood extracts).[7]

Neuro-physiological (Relaxing) Effects

Traditional aromatherapy and topical applications are associated with soothing effects.

  • Mechanism: Not established; the study reported autonomic (physiological) changes after absorption through the skin.
  • Scientific Evidence: In a randomised study in healthy volunteers, transdermal $\alpha$-santalol caused physiological changes interpreted as relaxing/sedative, while sandalwood oil produced physiological deactivation with behavioural activation (inhalation was excluded by breathing masks).[8]

Anti-hyperglycaemic and Antioxidant Effects

Relevant to the classical use of Chandana in *Prameha* (diabetes), as listed in the Charak Samhita table above.

  • Mechanism: Modulation of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation was observed alongside improved glycaemic parameters.
  • Scientific Evidence: In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, intraperitoneal $\alpha$-santalol (100 mg/kg) and sandalwood oil (1 g/kg) for one week brought blood glucose, body weight, liver glycogen and lipid peroxides towards normal; similar treatment in D-galactose-induced oxidative stress modulated liver enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase (animal data).[9]

Anticancer (Chemopreventive) Effects

  • Mechanism: Induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells is the most reported mechanism of $\alpha$-santalol.
  • Scientific Evidence: Cell-line and animal studies report chemopreventive effects of sandalwood oil and $\alpha$-santalol in skin carcinogenesis in mice and in melanoma, non-melanoma, breast and prostate cancer models; no clinical efficacy has been demonstrated.[10]

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Toxicity Profile: Sandalwood oil and its major constituent have low acute oral and dermal toxicity in laboratory animals; available toxicity data are limited, and the oil is considered safe at present use levels.[11]
  • Precautions: Occasional irritation or sensitisation reactions to sandalwood oil have been reported in humans; concentrated essential oil should not be applied undiluted on skin.
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • *Heartwood Powder (Churna):* 3–6 g, as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (see Dose above).

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Santalum album
Indication / Application Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Inflammation and Burning Sensation (Daha) $\alpha$-santalol, $\beta$-santalol Sheeta veerya coolant, suppression of cytokines/chemokines
Eczema, Psoriasis (Kushta / Kandu) Sandalwood oil sesquiterpenes PDE and NF-$\kappa$B suppression, anti-inflammatory
Bacterial Infection Terpenoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins Antibacterial (in vitro)
Stress / Autonomic Regulation $\alpha$-santalol Relaxing/sedative physiological effects (transdermal)
Diabetes (Prameha) and Oxidative Stress $\alpha$-santalol, sandalwood oil Anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant (animal)
Cancer Chemoprevention $\alpha$-santalol Cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis (preclinical)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:93
  2. ↑ Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235
  3. ↑ Subasinghe, U.; Gamage, M.; Hettiarachchi, D.S. (2013). "Essential oil content and composition of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) in Sri Lanka". Journal of Forestry Research. 24 (1): 127–130. doi:10.1007/s11676-013-0331-3. 
  4. ↑ Misra, B.B.; Dey, S. (2012). "Phytochemical analyses and evaluation of antioxidant efficacy of in vitro callus extract of East Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album L.)". Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 1 (3): 7–16. 
  5. ↑ Sharma, M.; Levenson, C.; et al. (2014). "Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine/chemokine production in skin cells by sandalwood oils and purified α-santalol and β-santalol". Phytotherapy Research. 28 (6): 925–932. 
  6. ↑ Sharma, M.; Levenson, C.; Browning, J.C.; Becker, E.M.; Clements, I.; Castella, P.; Cox, M.E. (2018). "East Indian sandalwood oil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor: a new therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory skin disease". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 9: 200. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00200. 
  7. ↑ Misra, B.B.; Dey, S. (2012). "Comparative phytochemical analysis and antibacterial efficacy of in vitro and in vivo extracts from East Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album L.)". Letters in Applied Microbiology. 55 (6): 476–486. 
  8. ↑ Hongratanaworakit, T.; Heuberger, E.; Buchbauer, G. (2004). "Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and α-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption". Planta Medica. 70 (1): 3–7. doi:10.1055/s-2004-815446. 
  9. ↑ Misra, B.B.; Dey, S. (2013). "Evaluation of in vivo anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant potentials of α-santalol and sandalwood oil". Phytomedicine. 20 (5): 409–416. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2012.12.017. 
  10. ↑ Santha, S.; Dwivedi, C. (2015). "Anticancer effects of sandalwood (Santalum album)". Anticancer Research. 35 (6): 3137–3145. 
  11. ↑ Burdock, G.A.; Carabin, I.G. (2008). "Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.)". Food and Chemical Toxicology. 46 (2): 421–432. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.092. 

Herbs

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