Pterocarpus santalinus

Pterocarpus santalinus, commonly called red sandalwood, has a long history of use in the Indian subcontinent. The bark is traditionally boiled into a decoction to treat fever and skin disorders; the same bark is also applied as a poultice for wounds and rashes. The root is brewed as a decoction for cough, asthma, and as a general tonic, while the fresh leaves are ground into a paste and applied to skin irritations. These practices are documented in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2011), in Sharma’s “Ethnobotany of India” (2015), and in a 2019 review of traditional Indian medicine (S. K. Sharma).

A simple, safe tea can be made from the bark. Take 5 g of dried, powdered bark and add it to 250 ml of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. Limit consumption to two cups per day, and avoid use during pregnancy or in children under 12, as the astringent tannins may cause gastrointestinal upset. If you have liver or kidney disease, consult a healthcare professional before use.

The therapeutic effects of red sandalwood are largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. The bark contains high levels of tannins, flavonoids, and isoflavones, as well as the characteristic pterocarpan compounds and saponins. These constituents have been shown to possess anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties, which help explain the plant’s traditional use for fever, skin conditions, and respiratory ailments.

Modern research continues to explore these activities. Recent studies in *Phytomedicine* (2022) and the *Journal of Natural Products* (2021) have confirmed the anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of bark extracts, and commercial herbal supplements containing Pterocarpus santalinus bark are now available in health‑food stores. The plant remains an important resource in rural Indian communities, where its bark decoctions and poultices are still prepared for everyday ailments.

Common products:
The principal commercial product of Pterocarpus santalinus is its highly valued heartwood. It is traded as “red sanders” or “red saunders” timber and is used to produce high-quality musical instrument parts, especially guitar backs, sides, and fingerboards; bowed instruments; and premium decorative woodcraft.

Industrial and craft applications:
The heartwood is employed in fine turnery, carving, inlay work, ornamental paneling, and specialty architectural detailing. Its density and natural oil content make it well suited to smooth finishing and polishing for decorative objects and high-end woodworking.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
No edible uses are documented.

Colorants and tanning:
The heartwood yields a deep red-to-brown natural dye historically used for wool and silk protein fibers. The color develops through mordanting and is considered fugitive to light.

Wood and fiber:
The species is a timber species only; fiber or pulp uses are not reported.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
No fragrant, essential oil, or cosmetic uses are documented.

Properties relevant to use:
The heartwood is extremely dense (approx. 1.05–1.2 g/cm³ at 12% MC), very hard, and naturally oily, with a fine, even grain. These properties confer dimensional stability after seasoning, resistance to decay organisms, and excellent polishability. The extractives influence finishing characteristics, including varnish uptake and the character of the finished surface.

Standards and regulation:
The species is listed in CITES Appendix II; international trade in wild-origin timber requires CITES permits and verification of legal acquisition. Indian national regulations govern harvest and export. Grading commonly follows established national timber standards (e.g., ISI/IS). The IUCN Red List assesses it as Endangered, reinforcing the need for regulated sourcing.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Pterocarpus santalinus is endemic to a restricted geographic range and occurs in fragmented populations, primarily in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, India. Overexploitation for timber has led to conservation concern. Sustainable production depends on strict regulation of harvest, verified legal sourcing, and recognition of CITES Appendix II controls. Seed-based cultivation is long term and does not yet substitute wild-harvested heartwood in commercial supply.

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