Talk: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.
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
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
| 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
| 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.
- Other Terpenoids: Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as epi-$\beta$-santalol, lanceol, and turmerone derivatives.
- Polyphenolic Constituents: Tannins and flavonoids providing notable antioxidant capabilities.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Properties
Chandana is classically recognized as a premier coolant (*Dahaprashamana*) and is scientifically validated for managing systemic inflammatory responses and elevated body temperatures.
- Mechanism: Active sesquiterpenes suppress inflammatory cascades by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing lipid peroxidation.
- Scientific Evidence: Preclinical studies indicate that sandalwood extracts significantly reduce acute and chronic swelling and modulate thermal response parameters in animal models [3].
Antimicrobial and Dermal Healing Actions
In alignment with its traditional classification under *Kandughna* and *Varnya* Mahakashayas, *Santalum album* exhibits marked efficacy against dermatological pathogens and surface lesions.
- Mechanism: The active essential oils and tannins precipitate microbial membrane proteins, impairing integrity and preventing pathogenic colonization or biofilm creation.
- Scientific Evidence: Laboratory evaluations confirm potent inhibitory activity against common bacterial strains and dermatophytes responsible for cutaneous infections and pruritus.
Neuroprotective and Anxiolytic Effects
Traditional aromatherapy and internal applications demonstrate prominent central nervous system soothing effects.
- Mechanism: Bioactive volatile components cross the blood-brain barrier to modulate neurotransmitter receptors, helping reduce oxidative stress markers in brain tissues.
- 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 [4].
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.
- Precautions: Concentrated pure essential oils should be properly diluted with carrier oils prior to direct topical application to avoid skin sensitivity or local irritation.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- *Heartwood Powder (Churna):* 3–6 g daily taken with honey, warm water, or appropriate vehicle (*anupana*).
- *Decoction (Kwatha):* 50–100 mL split into standard doses.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication / Application | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Burning Sensation & Fever (Daha / Jwara) | $\alpha$-santalol, $\beta$-santalol | Sheeta veerya coolant, Anti-inflammatory |
| Skin Disorders & Pruritus (Kushta / Kandu) | Sesquiterpenes, Tannins | Antimicrobial, Antipruritic topical action |
| Anxiety & Neurological Stress | Volatile sesquiterpene oils | CNS relaxation, Anxiolytic modulation |
| Urinary Tract Discomfort (Prameha) | Phenolic constituents | Antimicrobial, Mild diuretic action |
References
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Shri Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, Verse no. 11, Edited by Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020; p. 235
- ↑ Moyob, D.; Bansal, P. (2007). "Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Santalum album extracts". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 113 (2): 315–320.
- ↑ Kuroda, K.; Inoue, S.; Nomura, S.; Nagashima, H. (2005). "Sedative effects of the sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after inhalation". Journal of Aromatherapy. 6 (1): 25–32.