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Herb library · Herb · Pterocarpus santalinus

Red sandalwood

The deep red heartwood of a tree of southern India's Eastern Ghats, used in Ayurveda for inflammation. It is not the scented sandalwood of perfume, and it has not been studied as a remedy in people.

Traditional use

The tree grows only in the Eastern Ghats of southern India. A 2021 review describes the heartwood as an ancient folk medicine, prescribed in traditional practice and Ayurveda for inflammatory disorders.

What studies show

No studies in people of this herb on its own yet. What is known of it comes from the traditions that use it.

  • Insufficient

    Inflammation: no study of red sandalwood as a remedy in people was found. A 2021 review found lab and animal studies and called for research to substantiate the traditional claims.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • AllergyRed sandalwood has caused allergic contact dermatitis: a 1996 case report in Contact Dermatitis describes it. Test a small patch of skin before putting it on your face or body.
  • PregnancyNo safety information for pregnancy or breastfeeding was found; avoid taking it by mouth then.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A review (J Ethnopharmacol, 2021) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  2. Allergic contact dermatitis from red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) (Contact Dermatitis, 1996) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  3. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A review (J Ethnopharmacol, 2021) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.