A review on ecology, distribution, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the medicinally important plant Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red sanders)

M. Keshavamurthy; N. Gayathri Devi; A. C. Manjula; K. S. Shubha; C. L. Deepashree; P. Janani; R. M. Archana

doi:10.7324/JABB.2025.189424

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Abstract

Pterocarpus santalinus L., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is well-known for its distinctive wood, which has a stunning color, a delicate appearance, and exceptional technical features. The natural dye santalin, which is produced by the red wood, is used to color foodstuffs and pharmaceutical formulations. The decoction made from the heartwood is given numerous therapeutic characteristics in the ancient system of medicine. It has been used to induce vomiting as well as treat ulcers, mental disorders, and eye illnesses. It is known that the heartwood of Red sander trees has diaphoretic, aphrodisiac, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic, hemorrhage, and dysentery-preventing properties. Additionally, it has served as a cooling agent. It has been claimed that an ethanol extract of stem bark has anti-hyperglycemic properties. Various studies on the phytochemistry of stem bark extracts in ethanol extracts showed the presence of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, as well as saponins. Isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumor lignans, savinin, and calocedrin, are found in the heart wood. However, despite numerous claims of pharmacological activity, the species has not been thoroughly investigated. The current article emphasizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, and applications of P. santalinus.

Keyword: Endangered Medicinal plant Pharmacology Phytochemicals Pterocarpus santalinus

Citation:

Keshavamurthy M, Devi NG, Manjula AC, Shubha KS, Deepashree CL, Janani P, Archana RM. A review on ecology, distribution, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the medicinally important plant Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red sanders). J App Biol Biotech. 2024. http://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2025.189424

Copyright: Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.

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Reference

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2. Ahmedullah, M. Pterocarpus santalinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T32104A187622484.en
3. Walpola BC, Subasinghe S, Yoon M-H. Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. F. (Rathhandun): A review of its botany, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Korean Soc Appl Bi. 2011; 54(4):495-500. https://doi.org/10.3839/jksabc.2011.076
4. Navada KK, Vittal RR. Ethnomedicinal value of Pterocarpus santalinus (Linn. F.), a Fabaceae member. Orient Pharm Exp Med. 2014; 14(4):313-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-014-0168-0
5. Arunkumar A, Joshi G. Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders) an Endemic, Endangered Tree of India: Current Status, Improvement and the Future. J. Trop. For. Sci.. 2014; 27;4(2). https://doi.org/10.31357/jtfe.v4i2.2063
6. Dahat Y, Saha P, Mathew JT, Chaudhary SK, Srivastava AK, Kumar D. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A review. J Ethnopharmacol; 2021;276:114127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114127
7. Kuchekar M, Navghare V, Kulkarni A, Zambare A, Choudhary B. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Pterocarpus santalinus and its role in Dermatology. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2021; 13;18-24. https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2022.v15i1.43011
8. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. Triterpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus: Constitution of a new lupene diol. Phytochemistry. 1975;14(2):521-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)85121-1
9. Krishnaveni KS, Srinivasa Rao JV. An isoflavone from Pterocarpus santalinus. Phytochemistry. 2000; 53(5):605-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00526-9
10. Krishnaveni KS, Srinivas Rao JV. A New Acylated Isoflavone Glucoside from Pterocarpus santalinus. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2000;48(9):1373-4. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.48.1373
11. Yoganarasimhan SN. Medicinal plants of India, Tamil Nadu. Cybermedia. 2000.
12. Kondeti VK, Badri KR, Maddirala DR, Thur SKM, Fatima SS, Kasetti RB, Rao CA. Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus bark, on blood glucose, serum lipids, plasma insulin and hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010;48(5):1281-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.02.023
13. Bishayee A. Triterpenoids as potential agents for the chemoprevention and therapy of breast cancer. Front. Biosci. 2011;16(1):980. https://doi.org/10.2741/3730
14. Kesari AN, Gupta RK, Watal G. Two aurone glycosides from heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus. Phytochemistry. 2004;65(23):3125-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2004.10.008
15. Charvet-Faury S, Derbesy M, Sochini F, Derbesy F. Sandalwood extract (Pterocarpus santalinus): antioxidant and anti-UV effects study. Riv Ital EPPOS 1998, (Spec Num) 435-58.
16. Sawhney PL, Seshadri TR. Special chemical components of commercial woods and related plant materials. IV. Phenolic components of Pterocarpus species. J SciInd Re. 1956;15C:79-82.
17. King FE, Cotterill CB, Godson DH, Jurd L, King TJ. 742. The chemistry of extractives from hardwoods. Part XIII. Colourless constituents of Pterocarpus species. J. Chem. Soc. 1953;3693-3697. https://doi.org/10.1039/jr9530003693
18. Cho JY, Park J, Kim PS, YooES, Baik KU, Park MH. Savinin, a lignan from Pterocarpus santalinus inhibits tunror necrosis factor-. ALPHA. Production and T cell proliferation. Biol Pharm Bull. 2001;24(2):167-71. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.24.167
19. Krishna Veni KS, Srinivasa Rao JV. A new isoflavone glucoside from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2000;2(3):219-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020008039914
20. Hakamata J, Hirayama Y and Itsukida T. Antiandrogenicneo flavones from red sandalwood. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokyo Koho. 1993;194;204:7
21. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. Terpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus leaves. Cur Sci. 1976; 45(14):516-7.
22. Kumar N, Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Terpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus heartwood. Phytochemistry. 1974;13(3):633-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)91365-7
23. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. A new triterpene from Pterocarpus santalinus bark. Phytochemistry. 1976;15(9):1417-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)97131-0
24. Kukla AS, Kumar N, Sanduja SK, Seshadri TR Sesquiterpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus Heartwood absolute configuration of pterocarpol. Indian J Chem Sect B Organc Chem Incl Med Chem. 1976;14:905-6.
25. Li L, Tao R-H, Wu J-M, Guo Y-P, Huang C, Liang H-G, Fan L-Z, Zhang H-Y, Sun R-K, Shang L, Lu L-N, Huang J, Wang J-H. Three new sesquiterpenes from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod. 2017;20(4):306-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020.2017.1335714
26. Kinjo J, Uemura H, Nohara T, Ono M, Ito Y. Novel santalin analogs from Pterocarpus santalinus (Leguminosae) their biogenesis and anti-oxidative activities. Yoshihira K. JpTennen Yuki KagobutsuToronkai Koen Yoshishu. 1995;37:493-8.
27. Kinjo J, Uemura H, Nohara T, Yamashita M, Marubayashi N, Yoshihira K. Novel yellow pigment from Pterocarpus santalinus: Biogenetic hypothesis for santalin analogs. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995;36(31):5599- 602. https://doi.org/10.1016/00404-0399(50)1071O-
28. Azamthulla M, Anbu J, Babu VLA, Rajkapoor B. Isolation and characterization of Pterocarpus santalinus heartwood extract. Pharm Lett. 2016; 8(12):34-9.
29. Singh S, Paliwla MK, Singh J. A new prenylated coumarin from Pterocarpus santalinus. Fitoterapia.1993; 64:90.
30. Singh S, Paliwal MK, Siddiqui IR, Singh J. Two new coumarin glycosides from Pterocarpus santalinus. Fitoterapia. 1992;63:555.
31. Khadem S, Marles RJ. Monocyclic phenolic acids; hydroxy- and polyhydroxybenzoic acids: occurrence and recent bioactivity studies. Mol 2010;15(11):7985-8005. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules15117985
32. Wu S-F, Chang F-R, Wang S-Y, Hwang T-L, Lee C-L, Chen S-L, Wu C-C, Wu Y-C. Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic neoflavonoids and benzofurans from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod. 2011;74(5):989-96. https://doi.org/10.1021/np100871g
33. Wu S, Hwang T, Chen S, Wu C, Ohkoshi E, Lee K, Chang F, Wu Y. ChemInform abstract: bioactive components from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus. ChemInform. 2011;22;43(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.201203194
34. Gurudutt KN, Seshadri TR. Constitution of the santalin pigments A and B. Phytochemistry. 1974;13(12):2845-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(74)80254-2
35. Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Chemistry of the santalin pigments I. structure of santalinpermethyl ether. Tetrahedron Lett. 1972;13(13):1201-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)84547-0
36. Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Structural studies on santalin permethyl ether. Phytochemistry. 1973;12(11):2781-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(73)85099-X
37. Arnone A, Camarda L, Merlini L, Nasini G. Structures of the red sandalwood pigments santalins A and B. J Chem Soc. 1975;2:186. https://doi.org/10.1039/p19750000186
38. Vaddi D, Bulle S, Reddyvari H, Nallanchakravarthula V. Therapeutic potential of Pterocarpus santalinus L.: an update. Phcog Rev. 2016;10(19):43. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.176575
39. Keshavamurthy M, Srinath BS, Rai VR. Phytochemicals-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red Sanders) bark extract and their antimicrobial properties. Part Sci Technol. 2017;14;36(7):785-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/02726351.2017.1302533
40. Senthilkumar N, Sumathi R. In silico anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of some bioactive compound from Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. through. Molecular Docking Approach. J Biotech Bioinfor Res. 2024;6(1):10-1. https://doi.org/10.47363/JBBR/2024(6)171

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1. Pulliah T, Balasubramanyam S, Anuradha M. Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation. 1st ed. Singapore. Springer; 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7627-6_1

2. Ahmedullah, M. Pterocarpus santalinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T32104A187622484.en

3. Walpola BC, Subasinghe S, Yoon M-H. Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. F. (Rathhandun): A review of its botany, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Korean Soc Appl Bi. 2011; 54(4):495-500. https://doi.org/10.3839/jksabc.2011.076

4. Navada KK, Vittal RR. Ethnomedicinal value of Pterocarpus santalinus (Linn. F.), a Fabaceae member. Orient Pharm Exp Med. 2014; 14(4):313-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-014-0168-0

5. Arunkumar A, Joshi G. Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders) an Endemic, Endangered Tree of India: Current Status, Improvement and the Future. J. Trop. For. Sci.. 2014; 27;4(2). https://doi.org/10.31357/jtfe.v4i2.2063

6. Dahat Y, Saha P, Mathew JT, Chaudhary SK, Srivastava AK, Kumar D. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological attributes of Pterocarpus santalinus and future directions: A review. J Ethnopharmacol; 2021;276:114127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114127

7. Kuchekar M, Navghare V, Kulkarni A, Zambare A, Choudhary B. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Pterocarpus santalinus and its role in Dermatology. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2021; 13;18-24. https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2022.v15i1.43011

8. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. Triterpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus: Constitution of a new lupene diol. Phytochemistry. 1975;14(2):521-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)85121-1

9. Krishnaveni KS, Srinivasa Rao JV. An isoflavone from Pterocarpus santalinus. Phytochemistry. 2000; 53(5):605-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00526-9

10. Krishnaveni KS, Srinivas Rao JV. A New Acylated Isoflavone Glucoside from Pterocarpus santalinus. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2000;48(9):1373-4. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.48.1373

11. Yoganarasimhan SN. Medicinal plants of India, Tamil Nadu. Cybermedia. 2000.

12. Kondeti VK, Badri KR, Maddirala DR, Thur SKM, Fatima SS, Kasetti RB, Rao CA. Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus bark, on blood glucose, serum lipids, plasma insulin and hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010;48(5):1281-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.02.023

13. Bishayee A. Triterpenoids as potential agents for the chemoprevention and therapy of breast cancer. Front. Biosci. 2011;16(1):980. https://doi.org/10.2741/3730

14. Kesari AN, Gupta RK, Watal G. Two aurone glycosides from heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus. Phytochemistry. 2004;65(23):3125-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2004.10.008

15. Charvet-Faury S, Derbesy M, Sochini F, Derbesy F. Sandalwood extract (Pterocarpus santalinus): antioxidant and anti-UV effects study. Riv Ital EPPOS 1998, (Spec Num) 435-58.

16. Sawhney PL, Seshadri TR. Special chemical components of commercial woods and related plant materials. IV. Phenolic components of Pterocarpus species. J SciInd Re. 1956;15C:79-82.

17. King FE, Cotterill CB, Godson DH, Jurd L, King TJ. 742. The chemistry of extractives from hardwoods. Part XIII. Colourless constituents of Pterocarpus species. J. Chem. Soc. 1953;3693-3697. https://doi.org/10.1039/jr9530003693

18. Cho JY, Park J, Kim PS, YooES, Baik KU, Park MH. Savinin, a lignan from Pterocarpus santalinus inhibits tunror necrosis factor-. ALPHA. Production and T cell proliferation. Biol Pharm Bull. 2001;24(2):167-71. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.24.167

19. Krishna Veni KS, Srinivasa Rao JV. A new isoflavone glucoside from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2000;2(3):219-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020008039914

20. Hakamata J, Hirayama Y and Itsukida T. Antiandrogenicneo flavones from red sandalwood. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokyo Koho. 1993;194;204:7

21. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. Terpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus leaves. Cur Sci. 1976; 45(14):516-7.

22. Kumar N, Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Terpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus heartwood. Phytochemistry. 1974;13(3):633-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)91365-7

23. Kumar N, Seshadri TR. A new triterpene from Pterocarpus santalinus bark. Phytochemistry. 1976;15(9):1417-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)97131-0

24. Kukla AS, Kumar N, Sanduja SK, Seshadri TR Sesquiterpenoids of Pterocarpus santalinus Heartwood absolute configuration of pterocarpol. Indian J Chem Sect B Organc Chem Incl Med Chem. 1976;14:905-6.

25. Li L, Tao R-H, Wu J-M, Guo Y-P, Huang C, Liang H-G, Fan L-Z, Zhang H-Y, Sun R-K, Shang L, Lu L-N, Huang J, Wang J-H. Three new sesquiterpenes from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod. 2017;20(4):306-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020.2017.1335714

26. Kinjo J, Uemura H, Nohara T, Ono M, Ito Y. Novel santalin analogs from Pterocarpus santalinus (Leguminosae) their biogenesis and anti-oxidative activities. Yoshihira K. JpTennen Yuki KagobutsuToronkai Koen Yoshishu. 1995;37:493-8.

27. Kinjo J, Uemura H, Nohara T, Yamashita M, Marubayashi N, Yoshihira K. Novel yellow pigment from Pterocarpus santalinus: Biogenetic hypothesis for santalin analogs. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995;36(31):5599- 602. https://doi.org/10.1016/00404-0399(50)1071O-

28. Azamthulla M, Anbu J, Babu VLA, Rajkapoor B. Isolation and characterization of Pterocarpus santalinus heartwood extract. Pharm Lett. 2016; 8(12):34-9.

29. Singh S, Paliwla MK, Singh J. A new prenylated coumarin from Pterocarpus santalinus. Fitoterapia.1993; 64:90.

30. Singh S, Paliwal MK, Siddiqui IR, Singh J. Two new coumarin glycosides from Pterocarpus santalinus. Fitoterapia. 1992;63:555.

31. Khadem S, Marles RJ. Monocyclic phenolic acids; hydroxy- and polyhydroxybenzoic acids: occurrence and recent bioactivity studies. Mol 2010;15(11):7985-8005. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules15117985

32. Wu S-F, Chang F-R, Wang S-Y, Hwang T-L, Lee C-L, Chen S-L, Wu C-C, Wu Y-C. Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic neoflavonoids and benzofurans from Pterocarpus santalinus. J Asian Nat Prod. 2011;74(5):989-96. https://doi.org/10.1021/np100871g

33. Wu S, Hwang T, Chen S, Wu C, Ohkoshi E, Lee K, Chang F, Wu Y. ChemInform abstract: bioactive components from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus. ChemInform. 2011;22;43(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.201203194

34. Gurudutt KN, Seshadri TR. Constitution of the santalin pigments A and B. Phytochemistry. 1974;13(12):2845-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(74)80254-2

35. Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Chemistry of the santalin pigments I. structure of santalinpermethyl ether. Tetrahedron Lett. 1972;13(13):1201-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)84547-0

36. Ravindranath B, Seshadri TR. Structural studies on santalin permethyl ether. Phytochemistry. 1973;12(11):2781-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(73)85099-X

37. Arnone A, Camarda L, Merlini L, Nasini G. Structures of the red sandalwood pigments santalins A and B. J Chem Soc. 1975;2:186. https://doi.org/10.1039/p19750000186

38. Vaddi D, Bulle S, Reddyvari H, Nallanchakravarthula V. Therapeutic potential of Pterocarpus santalinus L.: an update. Phcog Rev. 2016;10(19):43. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.176575

39. Keshavamurthy M, Srinath BS, Rai VR. Phytochemicals-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red Sanders) bark extract and their antimicrobial properties. Part Sci Technol. 2017;14;36(7):785-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/02726351.2017.1302533

40. Senthilkumar N, Sumathi R. In silico anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of some bioactive compound from Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. through. Molecular Docking Approach. J Biotech Bioinfor Res. 2024;6(1):10-1. https://doi.org/10.47363/JBBR/2024(6)171