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.
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; 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
| 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
- ↑ 1.0 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
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Santha, S.; Dwivedi, C. (2015). "Anticancer effects of sandalwood (Santalum album)". Anticancer Research. 35 (6): 3137–3145.
- ↑ 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.