Santalum album L. (Sandalwood)

Santalum album L. (Sandalwood)

Product Name: Сандал белый, Santalum album, Weißer Sandelholzbaum, Sándalo blanco, Bois de santal blanc, الصندل الأبيض, จันทน์หอม, Ақ сандал, Ак сандал, Ağ səndəl, Сандали сафед, Baltasis sandalmedis, Baltais sandalkoks, Білий сандал, Ağ səndəl, עץ הסנדל הלבן

Synonyms: белый сандал, индийский сандал, восточный сандал, sandalwood, white sandalwood, Indian sandalwood, East Indian sandalwood, Weißer Sandel, Indischer Sandelholzbaum, Sándalo de la India, Sándalo oriental, Bois de santal indien, Bois de santal de l'Inde orientale, خشب الصندل الهندي, خشب الصندل الشرقي, จันทน์อินเดีย, จันทน์ตะวันออก

Parts used: bark, leaves, fruit, wood, roots

Main indications for the use of Santalum album: inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial folliculitis, acute pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, bacterial urinary tract infections, chronic cystitis, bacterial urethritis, primary dysmenorrhea, neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, insomnia.

Use of Santalum album in mixtures and complexes: degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, essential arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity, psoriasis vulgaris.

Pharmacological properties of Santalum album: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, antipruritic, aromatherapeutic, wound-healing, repellent, immunomodulatory.

Dosage of pharmaceutical forms — Santalum album

Powder — Santalum album

Indications (Powder): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial folliculitis, chronic cystitis, bacterial urethritis, primary dysmenorrhea, neuropathic pain.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally at 1–2 grams of powder 2 times a day, with warm water or plant milk; externally — mixing 2–3 grams with 10 milliliters of water to a paste state and applying to the affected skin area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally at 2–3 grams of powder 3 times a day for acute inflammatory dermatoses, bacterial folliculitis, exacerbation of chronic cystitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally up to 10 grams per day, divided into 3–4 doses, for severe forms of chronic urethritis and protracted inflammatory dermatoses, under the supervision of a specialist.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally at 0.5–1 gram once a day in courses of 14 days every 2 months for the prevention of recurrences of chronic urinary tract infections and seborrheic dermatitis in patients with a recurrent course.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from 7 years of age and weighing from 25 kilograms — orally at 0.3–0.5 grams 1–2 times a day; externally — paste at a concentration of 1 gram of powder per 15 milliliters of water, apply once a day to limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Powder): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): upon overdose, irritation of the gastric mucosa, nausea, skin allergic reactions are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — dose increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Powder): Ingredients per 100 grams: Santalum album wood — 100 grams. Clean the wood from bark, grind into large fragments, dry at a temperature of 40–45 °C in the shade with good ventilation, then grind into powder in a mill to a homogeneous consistency. Sieve through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters. Store in a tightly closed container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in a container protected from light and moisture, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 3 years; after opening the package, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Santalum album

Indications (Dry Extract): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial urinary tract infections, chronic bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, anxiety disorders, insomnia.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally at 200–400 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day; externally — 1–2 grams of dry extract per 20 milliliters of base cream or ointment base, apply 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally at 400–600 milligrams 3 times a day for acute inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and bacterial urinary tract infections.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally up to 2 grams per day for severe forms of chronic bronchitis and protracted urinary tract infections.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally at 100–200 milligrams once a day in courses of 10–14 days every 2–3 months for the prevention of recurrences of chronic bronchitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 12 years of age and weighing from 35 kilograms — orally at 50–100 milligrams of dry extract 1–2 times a day; externally — 0.5 grams per 20 milliliters of base, apply once a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): upon overdose, headache, dizziness, dyspeptic disorders are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dose reduction by 15%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — dose increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Ingredients per 100 grams: Santalum album wood — 500 grams, 70% ethanol — 2 liters (only for extraction, is not a component of the finished preparation). Grind the wood, pour with ethanol, infuse for 7 days at a temperature of 25 °C, stirring daily. Filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the smell of ethanol completely disappears. Permissible residual ethanol content in the finished product — no more than 500 ppm. Dry the resulting concentrate in a vacuum drying oven to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, in an airtight container, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening the package, use within 3 months.

Tincture — Santalum album

Indications (Tincture): inflammatory dermatoses, bacterial folliculitis, chronic cystitis, bacterial urethritis, chronic bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, anxiety disorders, insomnia.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally at 5–10 milliliters of tincture 2 times a day after meals; externally — 5–10 milliliters as lotions or compresses on affected skin areas 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally at 10–15 milliliters 3 times a day for exacerbation of chronic cystitis and bacterial urethritis, as well as for acute inflammatory dermatoses.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally up to 45 milliliters per day, divided into 3 doses, for severe forms of chronic urinary tract infections and protracted dermatoses, under the supervision of a specialist.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally at 5 milliliters once a day in courses of 10 days every 3 months for the prevention of recurrences of chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): from 12 years of age and weighing from 35 kilograms — orally at 2–3 milliliters 1–2 times a day; externally — diluted tincture in a ratio of 1:5 with boiled water, apply to limited skin areas once a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual hypersensitivity, chronic alcoholism, liver diseases with pronounced insufficiency; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): upon overdose, headache, nausea, irritation of the gastric mucosa, allergic reactions are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — dose increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Ingredients per 100 milliliters: Santalum album wood — 20 grams, 70% ethanol — 100 milliliters (only for extraction, is not a component of the finished preparation). Grind the wood into shavings, place in a glass jar, pour with ethanol, close the lid and infuse at a temperature of 20–25 °C for 14 days, shaking daily. Filter through cheesecloth, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the smell of ethanol completely disappears. Residual ethanol content in the finished product — no more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C in a tightly closed dark glass container, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Santalum album

Indications (Oil Infusion): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial folliculitis, psoriasis vulgaris, neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, insomnia.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — apply 2–3 milliliters of oil to affected skin areas 1–2 times a day; aromatherapy — 3–4 drops in an aroma lamp per 15 square meters of room area.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — 3–5 milliliters 2–3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory dermatoses and neuropathic pain.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally up to 10 milliliters per day for acute and severe forms of inflammatory skin diseases; for aromatherapy — up to 6 drops per session no more than 2 times a day.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — 1–2 milliliters once a day for the prevention of recurrences of seborrheic dermatitis and dry skin; aromatherapy — 2 drops in an aroma lamp 1–2 times a week for the prevention of anxiety disorders and insomnia.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 7 years of age and weighing from 25 kilograms — externally 0.5–1 milliliter of oil diluted in 10 milliliters of coconut oil, apply once a day to limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): upon overdose, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, headache with excessive inhalation of aromas are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — dose increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Ingredients per 100 grams: Santalum album wood — 20 grams, coconut oil — 80 grams. Grind the wood into shavings, dry at 40–45 °C, place in a glass container, pour with coconut oil, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C for 6 hours, stirring periodically. Cool, filter through cheesecloth, pour into a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, in a tightly closed dark glass container, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 3 months.

Cream — Santalum album

Indications (Cream): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, localized neurodermatitis, skin itching of various etiologies, first-degree thermal burns, skin irritation after sun exposure.

Standard Dosage (Cream): externally — apply a thin layer of 1–2 grams of cream to affected skin areas 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): externally — apply 2–3 grams of cream 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory dermatoses and skin itching.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): externally — up to 10 grams of cream per day for severe forms of psoriasis and neurodermatitis, under the supervision of a specialist.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): externally — 1–2 grams once a day for the prevention of recurrences of seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, and photodermatitis in patients with sensitive skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): from 3 years of age and weighing from 15 kilograms — externally 0.5–1 gram of cream 1–2 times a day, avoiding application to extensive skin areas and mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Cream): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Cream): upon overdose, skin irritation, erythema, contact dermatitis are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — reduction of the single dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — increase of the single dose by 10%.

Preparation method (Cream): Ingredients per 100 grams: coconut oil — 40 grams, shea butter — 20 grams, jojoba oil — 10 grams, beeswax — 8 grams, distilled water — 20 grams, Santalum album wood powder — 2 grams. Melt the oils and wax in a water bath at a temperature of 60 °C, add Santalum album powder, stir for 10 minutes. In a separate container, heat the water to 60 °C, pour in a thin stream into the oil phase, stirring vigorously until a homogeneous emulsion forms. Cool to 35 °C, transfer to a sterile jar.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a tightly closed container at a temperature of 5–10 °C, in a dark place, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Santalum album

Indications (Ointment): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, localized neurodermatitis, skin fissures, skin erosions, skin itching of various etiologies.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply 1–2 grams of ointment to affected skin areas 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 2–3 grams of ointment 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory processes and skin itching.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): up to 12 grams of ointment per day for severe forms of psoriasis and neurodermatitis, under the supervision of a specialist.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): 1–2 grams of ointment once a day for the prevention of recurrences of chronic inflammatory skin diseases and fissures.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): from 3 years of age and weighing from 15 kilograms — externally 0.5–1 gram of ointment once a day on limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): upon overdose, skin irritation, erythema, contact dermatitis are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — dose increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Ointment): Ingredients per 100 grams: coconut oil — 50 grams, beeswax — 30 grams, shea butter — 15 grams, Santalum album wood powder — 5 grams. Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and wax in a water bath at a temperature of 55–60 °C, add Santalum album powder, stir for 15 minutes. Pour into sterile containers and cool at room temperature.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in an airtight container at a temperature of 5–10 °C, in a dark place, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Cosmetics — Santalum album

Indications (Cosmetics): inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, skin hyperpigmentation, photodermatitis, skin irritation after sun exposure, post-inflammatory erythema, dry skin, signs of premature skin aging.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetics): apply 1–2 grams of cosmetic product (mask, lotion, cream, paste) to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day, avoiding the eye area.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetics): apply 2–3 grams of product 2–3 times a day for pronounced hyperpigmentation, photodermatitis, and active inflammatory skin processes.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetics): up to 8 grams per day for severe forms of inflammatory and pigmentary skin disorders, under the supervision of a specialist.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetics): 1–2 grams once a day for the prevention of skin photoaging, recurrences of seborrheic dermatitis and hyperpigmentation, in courses of 30 days every 3–4 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetics): from 7 years of age and weighing from 25 kilograms — 0.5–1 gram of cosmetic product once a day on limited skin areas for dryness or irritation.

Contraindications (Cosmetics): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Cosmetics): upon overdose, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, temporary increase in skin dryness are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — reduction of the single dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — increase of the single dose by 10%.

Preparation method (Cosmetics): Ingredients per 100 grams: coconut oil — 30 grams, damask rose hydrolate — 30 grams, jojoba oil — 10 grams, shea butter — 10 grams, beeswax — 5 grams, Santalum album wood powder — 5 grams, vegetable glycerin — 5 grams, tapioca starch — 5 grams. Melt the oils and wax in a water bath at a temperature of 60 °C, add Santalum album powder, stir for 10 minutes. Separately, heat the hydrolate to 60 °C, mix with glycerin and starch, pour into the oil phase, stir until a homogeneous mass forms. Cool to 35 °C, pour into sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetics): store at a temperature of 5–10 °C in a tightly closed container, protected from light, shield from electromagnetic fields; shelf life — up to 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Santalum album

Studies of the acute toxicity of Santalum album essential oil have shown a low level of toxicity with oral and dermal application. In experiments on rodents, the LD₅₀ value for oral administration exceeded 5,000 mg/kg body weight, indicating extremely low acute toxicity. With external use, Santalum album oil and extracts did not exhibit sensitizing effects in standard tests, but when dosages are exceeded, contact dermatitis may develop in individuals with individual sensitivity. No data on carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity have been found in available clinical sources.

Reference: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...

Pharmacodynamics — Santalum album

Santalum album contains a complex of biologically active compounds, the key of which are sesquiterpene alcohols, which have a wide range of pharmacological effects. At the systemic level, a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect is noted, due to the modulation of the activity of enzymatic cascades involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, including the regulation of prostaglandin and leukotriene production. The antioxidant effect is associated with the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and stabilization of cell membranes, which helps protect tissues from damage by reactive oxygen species.

The effect on the nervous system is manifested by sedative, anxiolytic, and mild antispasmodic effects, which is associated with an influence on GABAergic and serotonergic regulatory mechanisms. For the endocrine system, data have been described on possible participation in the regulation of stress reactions and adaptation mechanisms through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Immunomodulatory properties are expressed in the ability to normalize the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which ensures an adaptive response of the immune system without its excessive activation.

With local application, Santalum album has an antimicrobial effect against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as dermatophytes, which is associated with disruption of microbial membrane integrity and inhibition of protein synthesis. The pronounced antipruritic and emollient effect is realized by stabilizing skin sensory receptors and reducing the release of itching mediators. The vasodilating and microcirculation-improving effect helps enhance tissue trophism.

The aromatic components of the essential oil, when inhaled, affect the limbic system, as confirmed by neurophysiological studies demonstrating changes in the frequency and amplitude of brain waves. The systemic effect can be realized both through a direct effect on the central nervous system and through reflex mechanisms, including influence on the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacokinetics — Santalum album

The active substances of Santalum album can be absorbed by various routes depending on the form of administration. With oral administration of powder or dry extract, sesquiterpene alcohols and accompanying phytochemical compounds undergo absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract via passive diffusion. Water-soluble fractions pass more quickly into the systemic circulation, while lipophilic components require the participation of micellar structures and bile acids for absorption.

With transdermal administration (creams, ointments, oil infusions), penetration of active compounds occurs through the stratum corneum of the epidermis followed by diffusion into the dermis; the absorption rate increases when using carrier oils such as coconut oil. The inhalation route (aromatherapy) ensures rapid entry of volatile components into the lungs, from where they diffuse into the bloodstream through alveolar membranes.

The distribution of active substances is characterized by their tropism for lipid structures, which promotes accumulation in skin and adipose tissues, as well as possible fixation in the membranes of liver cells and the nervous system. Metabolism is carried out mainly in the liver with the participation of oxidation and conjugation enzyme systems, including the formation of water-soluble metabolites.

Excretion occurs through the kidneys as metabolites in the urine, and also partially with bile; with inhalation administration, volatile components may be excreted through the lungs with exhaled air. An insignificant part of lipophilic compounds may be released with the secretion of the skin's sebaceous glands. With prolonged use, accumulation of active substances in adipose tissue is possible, but data on their clinical significance are limited.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Santalum album

The pharmacological action of Santalum album is largely due to the content of sesquiterpene alcohols (alpha- and beta-santalol) and other volatile components of the essential oil, as well as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds are able to interact with key enzyme systems of the inflammatory cascade, including cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The ability to regulate the activity of the nuclear factor NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) is noted, which modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In vitro studies show an effect on suppressing the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, which may reduce the migration of neutrophils and macrophages to the site of inflammation.

The effect on the nervous system is mediated through an effect on serotonin (5-HT1A) and GABA-A receptors, which is confirmed by data on reduced neuronal excitability in cell cultures and changes in the activity of limbic structures in neuroimaging studies. With aromatic exposure, volatile components bind to olfactory receptors, transmitting signals to the hypothalamic-limbic system, where processes related to emotional background and autonomic response are regulated.

The antimicrobial effect is associated with disruption of the integrity of the bacterial membrane and inhibition of the enzyme systems of microorganisms. Phenolic components and terpenoids disrupt the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, causing leakage of ions and metabolites, which leads to the death of pathogens. There is evidence of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which may affect neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Synergy — Santalum album

Studies of the pharmacological synergy of Santalum album demonstrate a potentiating effect when combined with other essential oil taxa and phytochemical compounds. The combination of Santalum album essential oil with Lavandula angustifolia oil enhances the sedative and anxiolytic effect due to an additive effect on GABAergic transmission and serotonin receptors. The combination with Curcuma longa extracts exhibits synergism in suppressing the NF-κB cascade and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as confirmed in vitro on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

When combined with Citrus bergamia oil, an increase in antioxidant activity and protection of membrane lipids from peroxidation is noted due to the combined action of terpenes and flavonoids. The combined use with Camellia sinensis polyphenols in model systems enhances the modulation of the activity of phase II biotransformation enzymes, which may increase the detoxification capacity of liver cells.

In dermatological forms, the combination of Santalum album with Melaleuca alternifolia oil enhances the antimicrobial effect against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast fungi, due to the combined disruption of cell wall integrity and inhibition of protein synthesis in pathogens. This type of interaction is classified as potentiating and tissue-specific, primarily realized at the level of the skin and mucous membranes.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Santalum album

White sandalwood has an ancient and extensive history of use in the medical, cultural, and ritual traditions of South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Oceania. Its use is recorded in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, and the Pacific Islands. In the Ayurvedic medicine of India, the wood and oil of the plant have traditionally been used in the form of powders, pastes, decoctions, and infusions for local and internal use. In South Indian culture, sandalwood was often used as a sacred fragrance and cooling agent in rituals, as well as in the form of a paste applied to the skin in religious ceremonies.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Santalum album was part of complex herbal mixtures, including in the form of infusions and incense blends for fumigation. In Thai traditional medicine, sandalwood was used as an aromatic additive in massage oils and as part of balms. In the countries of the Middle East and East Africa, sandalwood was known as an incense wood used in purification and protection rituals, including in the form of powder for incense blends.

Historical sources record mentions of sandalwood in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts at least three thousand years ago. Archaeoethnobotanical finds indicate its use in the cult practices of South Asia during the early Middle Ages. In religious and magical-ritual culture, it was considered a plant symbolizing purity and spiritual power, used in meditations and consecration rituals.

In folk medical systems of various regions, the wood and essential oil were used in the form of infusions, decoctions, aromatic oils, and powders, as well as an element of protective amulets. In some Pacific island cultures, sandalwood was used in initiation rites and ceremonies related to navigation, where the aroma was considered a talisman against evil spirits.