Herb's Introduction
Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Family: Leguminosae/Fabaceae), commonly known as Red Sanders or Rakta Chandana, is a highly valued, slow-growing, deciduous tree endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India, primarily in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The species is renowned worldwide for its deep, rich red heartwood, which lacks the characteristic aroma of its counterpart, White Sandalwood (Santalum album), but is prized for its unique colour, medicinal properties, and high-value timber. The heartwood contains potent bioactive compounds such as santalins (the red dye), pterocarpols, and pterostilbene, which contribute to its significant uses in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cosmetics, dyeing, and fine woodworking, particularly for high-end furniture like the historical zitan wood in China. Due to its slow growth and high demand, the species is classified as Endangered and is protected by international and national laws.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Assami: Sandale, Sandal Ahmar Bengal: Raktachandana Chinese: 小葉紫檀 (Xiǎo yè zǐ tán), Zitan English: Red Sanders, Red Sandal Wood, Ruby Wood Gujarati: Ratanjali, Lalchandan Hindi: Raktachandanam, Lalchandana Japanese: シタン (Shitan) Kannada: Raktha Chandanam Malayalam: രക്തചന്ദനം (Rakta Chandanam) Marati: raktachandan (रक्तचंदन) Punjabi: Lal Chandan Russian: Сандаловое дерево (Sandalovoye derevo) Sanskrit: Raktanga, Kshudracandana, Rakthachandana, Rakthasar Tamil: Senchandanam (செஞ்சந்தனம்), Sivappuchandanam Telugu: Rakta chandanam (రక్తచందనము), Erra chandanam (ఎర్రచందనం) Urdu: Sandal Surkh
Terminology
The primary traditional medicinal systems that utilize Pterocarpus santalinus are Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, often referring to the heartwood. Ayurvedic Uses: Chardi (Vomiting), Trishna (Thirst), Raktadoshahara (Blood purifier), Tvara (Fever), Vrana (Wound), Antibilious, diaphoretic, febrifuge. It is also noted for its Varnya (complexion-enhancing) and Sheeta (cooling) properties. Siddha Uses: Siranku (Scabies/Eczema), Sitapeti (Urticaria/Hives), Mulanoi (Piles/Hemorrhoids), Perumpatu (Menorrhagia/Excessive Uterine Bleeding). Unani Uses: Zofe Qalb (Cardiac Weakness), Khafqan (Palpitation), Taskeene Hararat (Reducing Heat), Tasfia Khoon (Blood purification). Pharmacological Properties: Alexeteric (Antidote), Analgesic, Anticonvulsant, Antidiabetic, Antiexudative, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, CNS Depressant, Depurative (Purifying), Diaphoretic (Sweat-inducing), Expectorant, Fungicide, Hypoglycemic, Insecticide, Nematicide, Tonic, Tranquilizer.
Availability
Pterocarpus santalinus is primarily endemic to a distinct forest tract in the southern Eastern Ghats of India, specifically the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. Its wild population is severely declining due to illicit harvesting driven by high international demand for its heartwood, leading to its current classification as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Natural Habitat: It thrives in tropical dry deciduous forests, often on rocky, well-drained red soils and quartzite subsoils, at elevations generally between 300 to 600 meters. Cultivation: Due to its rarity and protected status, it is cultivated in parts of India (including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana) and other countries like Sri Lanka and China, though the wood from its native range is most highly prized, particularly for the distinctive wavy-grain heartwood ("A" grade).
External Look
Pterocarpus santalinus is a medium-sized, slow-growing deciduous tree that typically reaches a height of 8 to 11 meters (up to 20 meters) with a dense, rounded crown. Bark: The bark is blackish-brown, fissured, and rugged, often described as resembling crocodile skin. When the bark or wood is cut, it exudes a distinctive red-colored sap/dye called santolin. Leaves: The leaves are alternate and typically trifoliate (having three leaflets) in mature trees, though simple in the seedling stage. The leaflets are broadly ovate-suborbicular. Flowers: Small, yellow flowers are densely arranged in racemes (clusters), usually blooming from February to April. Fruit (Pods): The fruit is an obliquely orbicular pod, 3–4 cm in diameter, containing a single seed. Heartwood: The most distinctive feature is the incredibly dense, hard, and extremely valuable heartwood, which is a rich dark red hue, sometimes turning purplish-red upon prolonged exposure to air. This wood is where the key medicinal and dyeing compounds are concentrated.
Healing Properties
The heartwood of Red Sanders is a reservoir of bioactive compounds, particularly santalin (a natural dye), pterostilbene (a stilbenoid), and flavonoids, which underpin its potent therapeutic actions: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The heartwood extracts have shown significant inhibitory activity against various inflammatory conditions, like carrageenan-induced paw edema, and possess analgesic properties, justifying its traditional use for inflammation and pain, including headaches and arthritis. Antioxidant: Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, it exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity, which helps combat oxidative stress and may protect against chronic diseases and aging. Antidiabetic/Hypoglycemic: Traditionally used for diabetes, studies support its anti-hyperglycemic action, suggesting its potential to lower blood sugar levels. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: It displays activity against certain bacteria and fungi, making it valuable for treating skin infections, wounds, and as an anthelmintic (anti-worm agent). Hepatoprotective and CNS Depressant: Traditional uses and scientific studies suggest benefits for liver health and a tranquilizing/CNS depressant effect that helps calm nerves and reduce stress.
Advantages
Pterocarpus santalinus offers several significant advantages, both medicinally and commercially: Versatility in Traditional Medicine: Its broad spectrum of properties (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood purifying) makes it a staple in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani formulations for numerous conditions, from skin ailments and ulcers to fevers and coughs. Superior Skin Health Benefits: It is highly prized in cosmetics for its varnya (complexion-enhancing) and sheeta (cooling) qualities, helping to brighten skin, reduce pigmentation, soothe irritation, manage acne, and accelerate wound/scar healing. High Commercial Value: The unique dark red heartwood is one of the world's most valuable timbers, used for fine furniture, musical instruments (e.g., Japanese shamisen), carvings, and as a natural red dye in foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. Blood Purification: It acts as a natural Raktashodhaka (blood purifier), aiding detoxification and promoting overall internal health, which is reflected in improved skin health.
Uses
The uses of Red Sandalwood are diverse, stemming from both its medicinal and non-medicinal attributes: Medicinal Formulations (Internal): Used in decoctions, powders, and herbal teas for treating chronic dysentery, cough, oedema (fluid retention), digestive tract ailments, blood purification, and fevers. External/Topical Applications: Applied as a paste or powder mixed with water, rose water, honey, or yogurt for: Skin Care: Face masks for glowing skin, reducing pigmentation, managing acne/pimples, controlling excess oil, and soothing sunburn/heat rashes. Wound Healing: Applied to accelerate healing of wounds, ulcers, and to reduce scars. Headache/Inflammation: Applied topically as a cooling paste for headaches and local inflammation. Hair Care: Mixed with coconut oil or amla powder as a hair mask to nourish the scalp, combat dandruff, strengthen roots, and condition hair. Dye/Colouring Agent: The santalin dye from the heartwood is used to color textiles, food products, and pharmaceutical formulations. Timber and Woodcraft: Highly valued as an expensive and durable timber for luxury furniture, musical instruments, decorative items, and religious carvings.
Using Way
The heartwood is the primary part used, typically prepared in a few common forms: Topical Paste: The most traditional method involves rubbing a piece of the heartwood against a rough stone with water to yield a fine, smooth paste. This paste is then applied directly to the skin for acne, blemishes, inflammation, or headaches. Powder: The dried heartwood is ground into a fine powder. This powder is the most common commercial form and can be mixed with various mediums (rose water, honey, milk, yogurt, neem powder) to create face masks, scrubs, or hair packs for topical use. Decoction/Infusion: Small pieces or powder of the heartwood are boiled in water to create a decoction, which is consumed internally for fevers, digestive issues, and blood purification. Oil: Red Sandalwood essential oil or extracts are used in high-end cosmetic, perfumery, and aromatherapy products for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and subtle woody scent, though it lacks the strong characteristic aroma of White Sandalwood. Safety Note: As with many potent herbs, especially those affecting blood and internal systems, consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic or traditional practitioner is advised before internal consumption. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.
Conclusion
Pterocarpus santalinus, or Red Sandalwood, stands as a premier medicinal herb and one of the world's most valuable timbers. Its cultural and traditional importance, particularly in Ayurveda, is immense, where its rich concentration of bioactive compounds provides validated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits. It is a cornerstone of natural skincare and detoxification, known for its ability to enhance complexion, purify the blood, and soothe inflammation. Despite its invaluable qualities, its slow growth and intense global demand have led to its classification as an Endangered species, necessitating strict conservation measures and promoting sustainable cultivation to preserve this remarkable natural resource for future medicinal and commercial use.
