Red Sandalwood
OTHER NAME(S): Bois de Santal Rouge, Rakta Chandan, Red Sanderswood, Red Saunders, Red Saunderswood, Rubywood, Sándalo Rojo, Sandalwood Padauk, Santali Lignum Rubrum, Santalum Rubrum, Sappan, Pterocarpus santalinus, Sándalo rojo, Santal Rouge
Overview
Red sandalwood is a tree. The wood at the center of the trunk (heartwood) and the bark are used as medicine.
People use red sandalwood for conditions such as cancer, wounds, digestive tract problems, fluid retention, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Red sandalwood might increase the loss of body water through the urine (diuretic effect). It might also have drying effects that may help with wounds, diarrhea, and coughs.
In manufacturing, red sandalwood is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages.
Don't confuse red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) with white sandalwood (Santalum album).
Red sandalwood might increase the loss of body water through the urine (diuretic effect). It might also have drying effects that may help with wounds, diarrhea, and coughs.
Uses
We currently have no information for Red Sandalwood overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Red sandalwood is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if red sandalwood is safe to use as a medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if red sandalwood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Red sandalwood is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if red sandalwood is safe to use as a medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if red sandalwood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if red sandalwood is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with Red SandalwoodRed sandalwood might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking red sandalwood might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Red SandalwoodRed sandalwood extract might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking red sandalwood extract along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), and tolbutamide (Orinase).
Dosing
The appropriate dose of red sandalwood depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for red sandalwood. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Wu SF, Chang FR, Wang SY, et al. Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic neoflavonoids and benzofurans from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Nat Prod. 2011;74(5):989-96.
- Gao W, Lin P, Hwang E, et al. Pterocarpus santalinus L. regulated ultraviolet B irradiation-induced procollagen reduction and matrix metalloproteinases expression through activation of TGF-ß/Smad and inhibition of the MAPK/AP-1 pathway in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Photochem Photobiol. 2018;94(1):139-149.
- El-Badawy RE, Ibrahim KA, Hassan NS, El-Sayed WM. Pterocarpus santalinus ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus via anti-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of insulin function. Iran J Basic Med Sci 2019;22(8):932-939.
- Dhande PP, Gupta AO, Jain S, Dawane JS. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Topical Formulations of Pterocarpus Santalinus Powder in Rat Model of Chronic Inflammation. J Clin Diagn Res 2017;11(7):FF01-FF04.