Sandalwood Extract
Also known as: Sandalwood extract, Sandalwood oil, Sandalwood album oil, East Indian Sandalwood oil (EISO), Red Sandalwood extract, Pterocarpus santalinus, Santalum album
Overview
Sandalwood extract primarily refers to essential oils and extracts derived from the heartwood of Santalum album (East Indian Sandalwood) or Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood). These extracts contain bioactive compounds, notably sesquiterpenes like α-santalol and β-santalol. Traditionally, sandalwood has been utilized in dermatology, aromatherapy, and for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Current research explores its applications in treating various dermatological conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, as well as investigating its potential anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory actions, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. While in vitro and in vivo studies show promising results, and some clinical trials support its topical use, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses on sandalwood extract as a dietary supplement are currently limited.
Benefits
Sandalwood extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in dermatological applications. Clinical trials indicate that topical application of sandalwood album oil is effective in treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, common warts, and molluscum contagiosum, attributed to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies suggest significant anti-cancer potential, with α-santalol inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines (e.g., bladder, oral, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate), indicating chemopreventive possibilities. Red sandalwood extract, particularly in nanoparticle form, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity against Candida albicans in vitro (p < 0.05). East Indian Sandalwood oil (EISO) has also shown promise in alleviating inflammatory and proliferative components of psoriasis in experimental models. Furthermore, aromatherapy with sandalwood oil has been observed to reduce anxiety levels in pediatric dental patients, suggesting potential calming effects. While dermatological and anxiolytic benefits have some clinical support, anti-cancer and antifungal benefits are largely based on preclinical or in vitro evidence, requiring further human trials.
How it works
The mechanism of action for sandalwood extract involves several pathways. Its antimicrobial effects are believed to stem from the disruption of microbial membrane integrity, a common action for essential oils. The anti-cancer properties observed in preclinical studies are linked to α-santalol's ability to induce cell cycle arrest (specifically at the G2/M phase), promote apoptosis (programmed cell death), trigger autophagy, and inhibit angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in cancer cells. Anti-inflammatory effects likely result from the modulation of various inflammatory pathways, though the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The primary bioactive molecules, α- and β-santalol, are sesquiterpenes with lipophilic characteristics, which facilitate their interaction with cell membranes. While topical application is common for dermatological uses, human absorption and bioavailability data for systemic use are limited.
Side effects
Sandalwood extract is generally considered safe when applied topically in dermatological preparations, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed clinical trials. However, comprehensive data regarding the safety of oral supplementation or systemic toxicity in humans are not available from the current literature. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in the reviewed sources. As with many essential oils, rare instances of allergic reactions or skin irritation are possible with topical use, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Users should perform a patch test before widespread application. Due to the lack of human clinical data on oral intake, caution is advised, and it is not recommended for internal consumption without professional medical guidance. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using sandalwood extract.
Dosage
For dermatological applications, clinical studies have utilized topical sandalwood album oil, with specific concentrations varying but typically standardized to their α-santalol content (e.g., 41–55% in East Indian Sandalwood oil). However, precise, universally established dosing guidelines for topical use are not provided in the reviewed literature, as concentrations often depend on the specific product and condition being treated. There are no established oral dosing guidelines for sandalwood extract due to a significant lack of clinical trials on systemic supplementation in humans. For aromatherapy, sandalwood oil is used via inhalation for anxiety reduction, but dosing details are highly variable and not standardized across studies. Due to the absence of robust human clinical data on oral intake and systemic effects, there are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for internal consumption. Any use beyond topical application or aromatherapy should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is sandalwood extract effective for skin conditions?
Yes, evidence supports topical use for conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and warts, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Clinical trials have shown positive results.
Can sandalwood extract prevent cancer?
Preclinical studies show promising anti-cancer potential, with compounds like α-santalol inducing cell death in cancer cells. However, human clinical trials are currently lacking to confirm this benefit.
Is sandalwood extract safe to use?
Topical use appears generally safe, with rare reports of skin irritation. However, the safety of oral supplementation is not well-studied, and comprehensive data on systemic toxicity are insufficient.
Does sandalwood extract reduce anxiety?
Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil has shown some success in reducing anxiety levels, particularly in pediatric dental patients. This suggests potential calming effects through inhalation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5749697/ – This review synthesizes clinical trial data on sandalwood album oil, highlighting its effectiveness in dermatological applications such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It also details the anti-cancer mechanisms identified in in vitro and in vivo studies, though noting that human clinical trials for cancer are limited in size and scope.
- https://www.jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/1530 – This experimental in vitro study investigated red sandalwood extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles. It found statistically significant anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for these nanoparticles.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5352686/ – This study, combining experimental and clinical data, demonstrates that East Indian Sandalwood oil (EISO) can alleviate inflammatory and proliferative components associated with psoriasis. It identifies α- and β-santalol as the major active components responsible for these effects, though it notes the need for larger randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/a002fd8371fddabfc9161a9e9c168898309af285 – This clinical trial, focusing on pediatric dental patients, indicates that aromatherapy with sandalwood significantly reduces anxiety levels. The study provides preliminary evidence for the anxiolytic effects of sandalwood oil when inhaled, though it suggests further research with larger sample sizes.
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05908981?cond=Sandalwood&viewType=Table&rank=1 – This clinical trial record details a study investigating sandalwood's effects. While specific findings are not summarized here, its inclusion indicates ongoing research into sandalwood's therapeutic potential, particularly in clinical settings, and contributes to the body of evidence regarding its use.