A Comprehensive Review on Pterocarpus Santalinus (Red Sandalwood): Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

Author

Vineet Kumar, Gitesh Kumar


Abstract

 Pterocarpus santalinus are commonly known as Red Sandalwood or Rakta Chandan, is a medicinally and economically important plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The species is particularly associated with the Eastern Ghats of southern India and is well known for its characteristic red-coloured heartwood. The heartwood has been traditionally used in Indian systems of medicine for several conditions, particularly inflammatory and skin-related disorders. Modern phytochemical investigations have demonstrated the presence of several classes of secondary metabolites including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, stilbenes, and other phenolic compounds.

Several pharmacological investigations have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective and wound healing properties of extracts and isolated constituents. Important compounds reported from the heartwood include santalinA, santalin B, savinin, pterostilbene related compounds and other phenolic constituents. Recent reviews have emphasized the need for systematic pharmacological, toxicological and clinical investigations to establish the therapeutic potential of the plant.

The present review summarizes the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, safety aspects and future pharmaceutical prospects of Pterocarpus santalinus. The available literature suggests that the plant represents a promising source of natural bioactive molecules then, further standardised and clinically relevant studies are necessary before therapeutic applications can be established.


Keywords

Pterocarpus santalinus, Red Sandalwood, Rakta Chandan, santalin A & B, Herbal pharmacophore.



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References


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