Pterocarpus santalinus (Fabaceae) Red Sandalwood

Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Pterocarpus

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): A premier demulcent and rejuvenative herb for respiratory and digestive systems.

• Saraca asoca (Ashoka): The quintessential uterine tonic and women's health herb.

• Abrus precatorius (Gunja): A highly toxic seed used in minute, processed doses for neurological and ophthalmic conditions.

This genus within the Fabaceae family is prized for durable, pigmented woods with significant medicinal and economic value.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pterocarpus santalinus | English: Red Sandalwood, Red Sanders | Sanskrit: रक्तचन्दन (Raktachandana), पत्तङ्ग (Pattanga) | Hindi: रक्त चन्दन (Rakta Chandan), लाल चन्दन (Lal Chandan) | Tamil: சிவப்புச்சந்தனம் (Sivappu Sandanam) | Telugu: అగరు (Agaru), రక్తగందము (Raktagandhamu) | Kannada: ಕೆಂಪು ಗಂಧ (Kempu Gandha) | Malayalam: ചെമ്പ് ചന്ദനം (Chembu Chandanam) | Marathi: रक्तचंदन (Raktachandan) | Bengali: রক্তচন্দন (Raktachandan) | Chinese: Zǐtán (紫檀) | Japanese: シタン (Shitan) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Hemostatic (stops bleeding), Cardiac Tonic, Blood Purifier, Antidermatitic (treats skin inflammation).

Medicinal Parts:The heartwood is the primary medicinal part.

• Heartwood (Red Sandalwood): Used in powder, decoction, and paste form.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Santalins A & B (Red Pigments): These are the unique pigments responsible for the wood's color and contribute to its Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory actions.

Pterocarpans (Pterostilbene): Related to resveratrol, this compound has significant Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and potential Cardioprotective and Antidiabetic effects.

Isoflavonoids: Contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Estrogenic activities.

Tannins: Provide the Astringent and Hemostatic properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Raktachandana Kwatha (decoction) or powder with water.

Preparation & Use: A cold infusion or decoction of the wood powder is a classic remedy for high Pitta conditions: fevers with burning sensations, internal heat, and acidity.

Reasoning: Its cooling energy (Sheeta Virya) and antipyretic compounds directly pacify Pitta dosha and reduce body temperature.

Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders) & Visarpa (Herpes/Erysipelas)

Formulation: Wood paste or powder for topical application.

Preparation & Use: The powder is mixed with rose water or plain water to make a paste. It is applied to the skin to soothe inflammatory conditions like rashes, acne, boils, and herpes outbreaks. Internally, it is used for bleeding piles and menorrhagia.

Reasoning: Its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory actions help control bleeding and reduce skin inflammation and heat.

Hridroga (Heart Disorders) & Raktavikara (Blood Purification)

Formulation: Medicated ghee (Raktachandana Ghrita) or powder with honey.

Preparation & Use: As a cardiac tonic and blood purifier, it is used in formulations to support heart function and cleanse the blood of toxins that cause skin diseases.

Reasoning: The antioxidant pterocarpans protect blood vessels and heart tissue, while its blood-purifying action is linked to clearing heat and toxins from the bloodstream.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Not a culinary herb. It is used in religious ceremonies, high-value woodworking, and exclusively as medicine.

Cooling Facial Paste for Acne/Pitta Skin

Purpose: To soothe inflammatory acne, sunburn, or rashes.

Preparation & Use:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of genuine Red Sandalwood powder with 2 teaspoons of rose water or plain water to make a smooth paste.

2. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

3. Rinse off with cool water. Can be used 2-3 times a week.

Fever-Reducing Decoction

Purpose: For fevers with intense heat and thirst.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil 1/2 teaspoon of Red Sandalwood powder in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.

2. Strain and allow it to cool completely.

3. Drink 1-2 tablespoons of this cooled decoction 2-3 times a day.

7. Disclaimer:Pterocarpus santalinus is a slow-growing, endangered tree protected under CITES (Appendix II). Purchase only from reputable, sustainable sources. The wood is generally safe for topical use. Internal use should be for short durations and under guidance, as excessive consumption may lead to constipation or kidney irritation due to its strong astringency. It is contraindicated in conditions of extreme coldness (high Vata and Kapha) without balancing herbs. This information is for educational purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Santalum album (White Sandalwood, Chandana)

• Species: Santalum album | Family: Santalaceae | Genus: Santalum

• Similarities: Both are cooling, aromatic woods used for fever, skin conditions, and meditation. White Sandalwood is more aromatic and nervine, while Red Sandalwood is stronger for bleeding and blood purification. They are often used together.

2. Rubia cordifolia (Manjistha)

• Species: Rubia cordifolia | Family: Rubiaceae | Genus: Rubia

• Similarities: Both are premier blood purifiers (Raktashodhaka) in Ayurveda used for all skin disorders. Manjistha is a vine whose root is used, and it is particularly specific for clearing hyperpigmentation and lymphatic stagnation.

3. Berberis aristata (Daruharidra)

• Species: Berberis aristata | Family: Berberidaceae | Genus: Berberis

• Similarities: Both are used for skin diseases and have antipyretic properties. Daruharidra is intensely bitter and a liver stimulant, while Raktachandana is astringent and cooling. They represent different approaches (bitter vs. astringent) to treating heat-related skin issues.