Journal Of Applied Biology And Biotechnology

Open Access
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 2

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

  • Author:
  • M. Keshavamurthy1, N. Gayathri Devi2, A. C. Manjula3,*, K. S. Shubha4, C. L. Deepashree4, P. Janani5, R. M. Archana5
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Published Online: Jan 9, 2026
  • Page Number: 1 to 8

1Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2Department of Botany, JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science (Autonomous), Ooty Road, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

3Department of Sericulture, Maharani Cluster University, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

4Maurya Group of Insitutions, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

5Department of Life Sciences, Acharya Bangalore B-School, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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.

Keywords

Endangered, Medicinal Plant, Pharmacology, Phytochemicals, Pterocarpus Santalinus