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Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Background

  • Endemic in Indonesia, Australia, and the Indian peninsula, the Santalum album tree is the primary source of sandalwood and sandalwood oil. Both are used in Hindu religious ceremonies. In Ayurvedic medicine, East Indian sandalwood is an important remedy for both physical and mental disorders. Sandalwood is also a popular fragrance for incense and perfumes.
  • There is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of sandalwood for any indication. However, preliminary aromatherapy studies with sandalwood have indicated that it may have anxiolytic (reducing anxiety) and stimulating properties.

References

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  • Buchbauer G, Stappen I, Pretterklieber C, et al. Structure-activity relationships of sandalwood odorants: synthesis and odor of tricyclo beta-santalol. Eur J Med Chem 2004;39(12):1039-1046.
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  • Buchbauer G, Sunara A, Weiss-Greiler P, et al. Synthesis and olfactoric activity of side-chain modified beta-santalol analogues. Eur J Med Chem 2001;36(7-8):673-683.
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  • Frosch PJ, Johansen JD, Menne T, et al. Further important sensitizers in patients sensitive to fragrances. Contact Dermatitis 2002;47(5):279-287.
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  • Girgenti P, Suss L. [Repellent activity against Aedes aegypti (L.) of formulas based on natural vegetable extracts or synthetic active agents]. Ann.Ig 2002;14(3):205-210.
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  • Grigor'eva VD, Dashina TA, Iur'eva EA, et al. [Balneological use of bath concentrate containing xidifon and essential oils from ginger, nutmeg, and sandal]. Vopr.Kurortol.Fizioter.Lech.Fiz Kult. 2001;(6):35-36.
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  • Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In-vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and tea tree oil products, against Candida spp. J Antimicrob.Chemother. 1998;42(5):591-595.
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  • Heuberger E, Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. East Indian Sandalwood and alpha-santalol odor increase physiological and self-rated arousal in humans. Planta Med 2006;72(9):792-800.
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  • Hongratanaworakit T, Heuberger E, Buchbauer G. Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption. Planta Med 2004;70(1):3-7.
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  • Kaur M, Agarwal C, Singh RP, et al. Skin cancer chemopreventive agent, {alpha}-santalol, induces apoptotic death of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells via caspase activation together with dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release. Carcinogenesis 2005;26(2):369-380.
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  • Kyle G. Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of anxiety in palliative care patients: results of a pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2006;12(2):148-155.
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  • Larsen W, Nakayama H, Fischer T, et al. A study of new fragrance mixtures. Am J Contact Dermat. 1998;9(4):202-206.
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  • Larsen W, Nakayama H, Lindberg M, et al. Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part I). Am J Contact Dermat. 1996;7(2):77-83.
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  • Masago R, Matsuda T, Kikuchi Y, et al. Effects of inhalation of essential oils on EEG activity and sensory evaluation. J Physiol Anthropol.Appl.Human Sci 2000;19(1):35-42.
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  • Sugawara Y, Hino Y, Kawasaki M, et al. Alteration of perceived fragrance of essential oils in relation to type of work: a simple screening test for efficacy of aroma. Chem Senses 1999;24(4):415-421.
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Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.