Biological Activities of East Indian Sandalwood Tree, Santalum album

Abstract

The East Indian Sandalwood tree, Santalum album L. has been widely used in folk medicine for treatment of common colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, heart ailments, general weakness, fever, infection of the urinary tract, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, liver and gallbladder complaints and other maladies. With more than 200 constituents, the essential oil is emerging as a biologically valuable active source of phytochemicals. Therapeutic potentials associated with this oil and its constituents promise future health care applications, as shown by recent pharmacological investigations, such as the roles of santalols in combating cancer, tumor, viral diseases, microbes, oxidants, as well as neuroleptic, skin nourishing agent and as dietary factors, thus supporting its traditional uses. The aim of this review is to comprehend and put forth, available information on biological activities of this plant from a pharmacological point of view for future directions in clinical applications.