Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Rakta Chandana

Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.

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 namePterocarpus santalinus L.f.
FamilyFabaceae · other entries in this family
OrderFabales
Also known asPterocarpus santalinus L.f., Rakta Chandana, RaktaChandana
Pharmacopoeia statusPterocarpus 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.
Taxon identifiersGBIF 5708628 · Wikidata Q2392887 · NCBI Taxonomy 1071199

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishRakta Chandana
Latin/BotanicalPterocarpus santalinus L.f.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

How does it work?

  • Pterostilbene-mediated Nrf2 activation: Pterostilbene activates the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant defense pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant 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, though large-scale clinical trials are lacking

What do recent clinical trials show?

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 from Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood) has good oral bioavailability (~60-80%), significantly better than its analog resveratrol, 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 heartwood extract (10:1) standardized to 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/White sandalwood (combined sandalwood cooling formulation)
  • Manjistha (blood purification and complexion)
  • Padmaka (skin-brightening combination)
  • Haridra (anti-inflammatory paste for skin)
  • Kumari/Aloe (moisturizing and skin-healing combination)

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 reviews2

  1. Dahat Y, Saha P, Mathew JT and others. 2021. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A reviewJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33915135 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114127
  2. Bulle S, Reddyvari H, Nallanchakravarthula V and others. 2016. Therapeutic Potential of Pterocarpus santalinus L.: An UpdatePharmacognosy reviews. PMID 27041873 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.176575

Laboratory and animal studies10

  1. Yang J, Liu M, Sahu SK and others. 2023. Chromosome-scale genomes of five Hongmu species in LeguminosaeScientific data. PMID 37848504 · doi:10.1038/s41597-023-02593-2
  2. Sneha MV, Madhushree AH, Tapas Ranjan S and others. 2023. Genome sequencing and characterization of microsatellite markers of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.: an economically important endangered tree of Eastern Ghats, IndiaJournal of genetics. PMID 37464731
  3. Jin Z, Cui W, Zhang F and others. 2022. Rapid Identification for the Pterocarpus Bracelet by Three-Step Infrared Spectrum MethodMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35897969 · doi:10.3390/molecules27154793
  4. Han JS, Hong HR, Kim JG and others. 2022. Chemical constituents from Pterocarpus santalinus and their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide productionFitoterapia. PMID 35489581 · doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105202
  5. Natalia P, Zwirchmayr J, Rudžionytė I and others. 2021. Pterocarpus santalinus Selectively Inhibits a Subset of Pro-Inflammatory Genes in Interleukin-1 Stimulated Endothelial CellsFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 35115943 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.802153
  6. Akhouri V, Kumar A, Kumari M. 2020. Antitumour Property of Pterocarpus santalinus Seeds Against DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer in RatsBreast cancer : basic and clinical research. PMID 32913391 · doi:10.1177/1178223420951193
  7. Ham B, Kim M, Son YJ and others. 2019. Inhibitory Effects of Pterocarpus santalinus Extract against IgE/Antigen-Sensitized Mast Cells and Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin LesionsPlanta medica. PMID 30609435 · doi:10.1055/a-0824-1282
  8. El-Badawy RE, Ibrahim KA, Hassan NS and others. 2019. Pterocarpus santalinus ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus via anti-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of insulin functionIranian journal of basic medical sciences. PMID 31579450 · doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.34998.8325
  9. Gao W, Lin P, Hwang E and others. 2018. Pterocarpus santalinus L. Regulated Ultraviolet B Irradiation-induced Procollagen Reduction and Matrix Metalloproteinases Expression Through Activation of TGF-β/Smad and Inhibition of the MAPK/AP-1 Pathway in Normal Human Dermal FibroblastsPhotochemistry and photobiology. PMID 28858391 · doi:10.1111/php.12835
  10. Ghali ENHK, Maurya DK, Meriga B. 2018. Radioprotective Properties of Pterocarpus santalinus Chloroform Extract in Murine Splenic Lymphocytes and Possible MechanismCancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals. PMID 31287718 · doi:10.1089/cbr.2018.2532

Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.

Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.