Pattanga
Caesalpinia sappan L.
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/).
| Botanical name | Caesalpinia sappan L. |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod. — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| 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. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2958870 · Wikidata Q2717993 · NCBI Taxonomy 483143 |
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)
- 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 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. Open veterinary journal. PMID 39175965 · doi: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). Planta medica. PMID 23154842 · doi: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
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews4
- 2025. Traditional Uses and Phytochemical and Pharmacological Analyses of Caesalpinia sappan LinnChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 40345215 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202402681
- 2023. A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds Found in Caesalpinia sappanMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37687076 · doi:10.3390/molecules28176247
- 2022. Brazilin: Biological activities and therapeutic potential in chronic degenerative diseases and cancerPharmacological research. PMID 34883212 · doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106023
- 2021. Protective Effects of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. and Its Bioactive Compounds on Cardiovascular OrgansFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 34603037 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.725745
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2026. Sappanone A alleviates high glucose-induced retinal oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction via SIRT7/NRF2 pathwayJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 41135616 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.120774
- 2026. Sappanone A exerted promising therapeutic effects in vitiligo through Wnt5a-mediated noncanonical Wnt signalingJournal of natural medicines. PMID 42230481 · doi:10.1007/s11418-026-02050-5
- 2025. Sappanone A Promotes Motor Function Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury Mice by Inhibiting Microglial M1 Polarization via Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 PathwayFASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. PMID 41316923 · doi:10.1096/fj.202502568R
- 2024. The efficacy of topically applied Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) ethanol extract during incision wound healing in albino ratsOpen veterinary journal. PMID 39175965 · doi:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i7.5
- 2024. Exploring the Mechanism of Ferroptosis Induction by Sappanone A in Cancer: Insights into the Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mediated by NRF2/xCT/GPX4 AxisInternational journal of biological sciences. PMID 39430236 · doi:10.7150/ijbs.96748
- 2021. Activity Screening of the Herb Caesalpinia sappan and an Analysis of Its Antitumor EffectsEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 34257693 · doi:10.1155/2021/9939345
- 2018. Antioxidant activity and potential of Caesalpinia sappan aqueous extract on synthesis of silver nanoparticlesDrug discoveries & therapeutics. PMID 30464156 · doi:10.5582/ddt.2018.01059
- 2016. Compounds from Caesalpinia sappan with anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages and chondrocytesFood & function. PMID 26951869 · doi:10.1039/c5fo01256b
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