# Pattanga

> Pattanga (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. [The efficacy of topically applied Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) ethanol extract during incision wound healing in albino rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39175965/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Caesalpinia sappan L.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Referenced in traditional medicine systems of India, Southeast Asia, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Used as natural colorant in food and cosmetics. No dedicated WHO monograph published.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Pattanga |
| Latin/Botanical | *Caesalpinia sappan L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Brazilin (neoflavonoid - primary bioactive compound)
- Brazilein (oxidized form of brazilin)
- Sappanone A and B ([homoisoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#homoisoflavonoids))
- 4-O-Methylsappanol
- Protosappanin A, B, C
- Caesalpin (diterpene)
- 3-Deoxysappanchalcone (chalcone)
- Sappanchalcone

## How does it work?

- Brazilin melanin synthesis suppression: Brazilin inhibits forskolin-stimulated cAMP-mediated MITF expression, downregulating tyrosinase and TRP-1/TRP-2 transcription, directly reducing melanin production in melanocytes for skin brightening
- Brazilin anti-inflammatory NO and PGE2 inhibition: Brazilin and protosappanins suppress iNOS and COX-2 expression, reducing nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in activated macrophages, alleviating skin inflammation
- Sappanone homoisoflavonoid [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection: Sappanone A and B scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, protecting skin cells from oxidative damage and preventing photoaging
- Collagen synthesis and wound closure promotion: Brazilin-rich extract stimulates fibroblast migration and proliferation, enhances collagen deposition, and accelerates wound epithelialization

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Complexion enhancement (Varnya): Validated by demonstrated brazilin-mediated melanin synthesis suppression in human melanoma cells
- Wound healing (Vrana Ropana): Validated by 2024 animal study showing significant improvement in incision wound healing with 6.5% sappanwood extract
- Anti-inflammatory skin care (Daha Prashamana): Validated by demonstrated inhibition of NO and PGE2 production through iNOS and COX-2 suppression

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sucita RE, Fikri F, Purnomo A and others 2024. [The efficacy of topically applied Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) ethanol extract during incision wound healing in albino rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39175965/). *Open veterinary journal*. PMID [39175965](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39175965/) · [doi:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i7.5](https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i7.5)  
  A 6.5% sappanwood ethanol extract demonstrated significant improvement in incision wound healing in albino rats, with enhanced tissue repair attributed to brazilin and related bioactive secondary metabolites.
- Mitani K, Takano F, Kawabata T and others 2013. [Suppression of melanin synthesis by the phenolic constituents of sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23154842/). *Planta medica*. PMID [23154842](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23154842/) · [doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327897](https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1327897)  
  Brazilin and 4-O-methylsappanol strongly suppressed melanin synthesis in human melanoma HMV-II cells stimulated with forskolin, establishing the melanin-inhibitory basis for traditional complexion-enhancing use.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Generally regarded as safe in traditional medicine at recommended doses. Heartwood has been used as a natural food coloring and traditional medicine for centuries. No significant toxicity reported in animal studies at therapeutic doses
- Red pigment (brazilin/brazilein) may stain skin and fabrics. Limited formal clinical safety data in humans; most evidence from animal models. Species is sometimes confused with Caesalpinia echinata (pernambuco wood) - proper botanical identification essential

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Homoisoflavonoids
- Brazilin 
- Brazilein 
- Sappanone A and B 
- Protosappanin A
- Caesalpin 
- Sappanchalcone

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (heartwood powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste), Taila (oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g heartwood powder twice daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan (Pattanga/sappanwood) has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%) with Tmax of 1-2 hours. Brazilin undergoes oxidation to brazilein (deeper red color) which also has pharmacological activity. Protosappanin derivatives show 20-35% bioavailability. Homoisoflavonoids are moderately absorbed and undergo hepatic conjugation. Lipid-based formulations can improve brazilin bioavailability by 30-40%.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water for systemic effects. Traditional use specifies intake with honey for blood-related disorders.

**Standardized Extract:** Pattanga heartwood extract (10:1) standardized to brazilin >3%, total homoisoflavonoids >5%. Aqueous extract with validated color index and HPLC fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Heartwood: 36-60 months (very stable); Powder: 24-36 months; Extract: 24-36 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Heartwood pieces: cool, dry, pest-free storage, can last years. Powder and extracts: airtight, below 25 deg C, protected from light and oxidation. Nitrogen-flushed packaging for brazilin-standardized extracts.

**Marker Compounds:** Brazilin, Brazilein, Protosappanin A, Protosappanin B, Sappanone A, Sappanchalcone, 3-Deoxysappanone, Hematoxylol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (produces characteristic red extract)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for brazilin isolation
- Hot water extraction with pH control for color stability
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction for improved yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- Rakta-[Chandana](/herb/chandana/)|Rakta-Chandana (synergistic blood purification and cooling)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (skin complexion and Rakta Dhatu purification)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (gynecological health combination)
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine tonic synergy)
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (cooling and complexion formula)

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

## 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.