# Rakta Chandana

> Rakta Chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Pterocarpus santalinus is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. [Wound healing potential of Pterocarpus santalinus linn: a pharmacological evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15866805/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Pterocarpus santalinus is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. WHO acknowledges traditional use but no specific WHO monograph has been published. The species is listed under CITES Appendix II due to overharvesting concerns.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rakta [Chandana](/herb/chandana/)|Rakta Chandana |
| Latin/Botanical | *Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene) (stilbenoid - potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and anti-aging agent)
- Santalin A and Santalin B (red pigment compounds)
- Savinin (lignan with UV-protective properties)
- [Betulin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betulin) (pentacyclic triterpenoid)
- [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) (pterocarpan derivatives)
- beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/) (triterpenoid)

## How does it work?

- [Pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene)-mediated Nrf2 activation: [Pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene) activates the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant defense pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) to protect skin from oxidative damage and photoaging
- Selective NF-kB inflammatory gene suppression: Red sandalwood extract selectively inhibits pro-inflammatory gene expression (VCAM-1, E-selectin, IL-8) without broadly suppressing all NF-kB targets, providing targeted anti-inflammatory action
- Collagen synthesis and wound healing: Betulin and triterpenoid constituents promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, accelerating wound closure and tissue regeneration
- UV-B photoprotection via savinin: Lignan compound savinin absorbs UV-B radiation and protects keratinocytes from photodamage

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Wound healing (Vranaropana): Validated in animal models showing significantly accelerated healing of punch and burn wounds with enhanced collagen synthesis
- Anti-inflammatory skin care (Daha-shamana): Validated by in vitro studies showing selective inhibition of pro-inflammatory genes in IL-1 stimulated cells
- Complexion enhancement (Varnya): Traditional face pack use partially supported by antioxidant activity of [pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene), though large-scale clinical trials are lacking

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Biswas TK, Maity LN, Mukherjee B 2004. [Wound healing potential of Pterocarpus santalinus linn: a pharmacological evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15866805/). *The international journal of lower extremity wounds*. PMID [15866805](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15866805/) · [doi:10.1177/1534734604268385](https://doi.org/10.1177/1534734604268385)  
  Red sandalwood ointment significantly accelerated wound healing in punch and burn wound models, with enhanced collagenesis and supporting biochemical data in both normal and diabetic rats.
- Natalia P, Zwirchmayr J, Rudžionytė I and others 2021. [Pterocarpus santalinus Selectively Inhibits a Subset of Pro-Inflammatory Genes in Interleukin-1 Stimulated Endothelial Cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35115943/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [35115943](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35115943/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.802153](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.802153)  
  Red sandalwood extract selectively inhibited a subset of pro-inflammatory gene expression in IL-1 stimulated endothelial cells, demonstrating targeted anti-inflammatory activity relevant to inflammatory skin conditions.

*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

- Red sandalwood can cause contact dermatitis or allergic skin reactions in susceptible individuals; patch testing is recommended before full application
- Limited controlled clinical trial data in humans - most evidence from animal models and in vitro studies. Not enough high-quality clinical evidence to confirm scar removal or pigmentation reduction claims

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Pterostilbene
- Antioxidant
- Betulin
- Isoflavonoids
- Sitosterol
- Lupeol
- Santalin A and Santalin B 
- Savinin 

**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), Cream/lotion, Face pack formulation

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

**Bioavailability:** [Pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene) from Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood) has good oral bioavailability (~60-80%), significantly better than its analog [resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol), due to two methoxy groups reducing glucuronidation. Santalin A and B (red pigments) have limited oral bioavailability due to large molecular size. Isoflavonoids show moderate absorption (20-35%). Topical application delivers bioactives effectively for skin conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** Oral: after meals with warm water. Topical paste: apply for 20-30 minutes, wash off. Best applied in evening for facial preparations. Oil: massage at night.

**Standardized Extract:** Rakta-[Chandana](/herb/chandana/) heartwood extract (10:1) standardized to [pterostilbene](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pterostilbene) >1%, total santalins >5%, total isoflavonoids >3%. Fine powder (200 mesh) for cosmetic Lepa applications. CITES-compliant sourcing documentation mandatory.

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

**Storage:** Heartwood: cool, dry, pest-free storage, can last years. Powder and extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, protected from light (santalin photosensitivity). Taila: amber glass, room temperature. Store CITES documentation with inventory.

**Marker Compounds:** Pterostilbene, Santalin A, Santalin B, Savinin, Calocedrin, Isoflavonoids, Beta-sitosterol, Lupeol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for santalin pigments
- Chloroform extraction for pterostilbene
- Fine powdering for Lepa preparation
- Oil infusion for Taila

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/)/White sandalwood (combined sandalwood cooling formulation)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (blood purification and complexion)
- [Padmaka](/herb/padmaka/) (skin-brightening combination)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory paste for skin)
- Kumari/Aloe (moisturizing and skin-healing combination)

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