# Chandana

> Chandana (Santalum album L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Santalum album is referenced in WHO traditional medicine guidelines. aureus Moy RL, Levenson C 2017. [Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29344319/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Santalum album L.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Santalum album is referenced in WHO traditional medicine guidelines. ISO 3518:2002 establishes international quality standards for sandalwood oil (41-55% alpha-santalol, 16-24% beta-santalol). Listed in multiple national pharmacopoeias including Indian Pharmacopoeia.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chandana |
| Latin/Botanical | *Santalum album L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- alpha-Santalol (41-55% of essential oil - primary bioactive sesquiterpene alcohol)
- beta-Santalol (16-24% of essential oil)
- epi-beta-Santalol
- alpha-exo-Bergamotol
- alpha-Santalen and beta-Santalen (sesquiterpene hydrocarbons ~6%)
- Santalic acid
- Teresantalol
- cis-Nuciferol

## How does it work?

- alpha-Santalol COX-2 inhibition: Directly inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis and inflammatory response in skin, effective against acne and dermatitis
- MMP-1 collagenase suppression: Sandalwood oil inhibits MMP-1 expression induced by environmental pollutants and UV, protecting dermal collagen matrix from degradation and preventing premature skin aging
- ROS scavenging and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) defense: Sesquiterpene alcohols neutralize free radicals generated by oxidative stress, UV radiation, and pollution, protecting skin cell membranes and mitochondria
- Anti-proliferative epidermal regulation: alpha-Santalol modulates hyperproliferative epidermal keratinocyte activity relevant to psoriasis and wart conditions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Complexion enhancement (Varnya): Validated by clinical studies showing skin brightening, anti-wrinkle, and anti-aging effects through MMP-1 inhibition and antioxidant activity
- Anti-inflammatory skin soothing (Daha-prashamana): alpha-Santalol COX-2 inhibition validated in laboratory and clinical settings for eczema and dermatitis relief
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) wound care: Demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria and skin pathogens including S. aureus

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Moy RL, Levenson C 2017. [Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29344319/). *The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology*. PMID [29344319](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29344319/)  
  Clinical trials demonstrated sandalwood album oil efficacy in treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, common warts, and molluscum contagiosum through anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative mechanisms.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Contact sensitization rate is low (0.1-2.4% in routine patch testing), but allergic contact dermatitis to sandalwood oil has been reported; patch testing recommended before widespread use
- ISO 3518:2002 quality standards ensure authenticity - adulteration with synthetic santalol or other Santalum species (S. spicatum) may alter safety profile. Only S. album oil meets pharmacological standards

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Santalic acid
- Teresantalol
- cis-Nuciferol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Taila (oil), Lepa (paste), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Chandanasava (fermented), Chandanadi Vati

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g heartwood powder; 5-15 drops essential oil (external); 500mg extract capsule; 15-30ml Chandanasava; paste externally as needed

**Bioavailability:** Alpha-santalol shows good oral bioavailability (50-60%) and excellent dermal absorption (penetration enhancer for other compounds). Beta-santalol similarly well absorbed. Santalol rapidly distributes to lipid-rich tissues. Dermal application of sandalwood paste provides sustained local and some systemic absorption. Essential oil components are volatile—rapid absorption via inhalation. Traditional paste preparation with water on stone preserves particle characteristics for optimal skin delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** Paste applied morning and evening for skin care; internal use after meals with cool water for Pitta conditions; Chandanasava after meals; oil for aromatherapy anytime

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to alpha-santalol NLT 43% and beta-santalol NLT 16% (East Indian grade). Heartwood extract standardized to total santalols NLT 5%.

**Shelf Life:** 5+ years (heartwood, intact); 3 years (powder); 5-10 years (essential oil—improves with age); 3 years (capsule/tablet); 5 years (Chandanasava)

**Storage:** Essential oil in amber glass with tight closure (oil improves with age if properly stored). Powder in airtight containers. Cool, dry conditions. Heartwood blocks can be stored indefinitely in dry conditions.

**Marker Compounds:** Alpha-santalol, Beta-santalol, Santalic acid, Teresantalol, Alpha-santalene, Santene, [Pterocarpol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterocarpol), Santalin (colorant)

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 3-7% from heartwood)
- Hydrodistillation for high-quality oil
- Traditional water-grinding on stone for paste (Lepa)
- Aqueous decoction for Kashayam
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for oral formulations
- Supercritical CO2 for premium-grade santalol-rich extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (Vetiver) for cooling and Pitta-pacifying formulations
- With Kumkuma ([saffron](/herb/saffron/)) for complexion-enhancing preparations
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for urinary tract health
- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for UTI management
- With [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) for skin radiance formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/chandana/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.