White Sandalwood Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is White Sandalwood Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

White sandalwood is generally considered safe when used orally in the amounts commonly found in foods. However, prolonged oral use for more than 6 weeks may be associated with kidney damage. It is important to avoid using white sandalwood during pregnancy, as it is reported to have abortifacient effects. The safety of white sandalwood when inhaled or used topically in larger amounts is not well-documented.

How is White Sandalwood Thought to Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

White sandalwood contains various compounds such as monoterpenoids, saponins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and tannins. The main active constituents are believed to be alpha- and beta-santalol. White sandalwood exhibits several mechanisms of action, including:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: White sandalwood oil inhibits the pathways involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, and 12-lipoxygenase pathways.
• Antimicrobial effects: In vitro studies have shown that white sandalwood oil has activity against fungi and Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains.
• Anxiolytic effects: White sandalwood is used in aromatherapy for stress and anxiety reduction. Inhalation of white sandalwood oil has been shown to moderate blood pressure and induce relaxation.
• Cancer-preventive effects: White sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol, one of its constituents, have demonstrated the ability to prevent the development of skin cancer by inducing cell death and halting the cell cycle.
• Spasmolytic effects: White sandalwood is traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis. Laboratory research suggests it has spasmolytic activity, which means it can relax muscles and reduce spasms.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of white sandalwood. More research is needed to determine how it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body.

Interaction Overview

No known interactions with supplements or lab tests have been reported for white sandalwood. However, caution should be exercised when using white sandalwood with lithium, as it may potentially reduce lithium excretion and increase its levels in the body.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken orally, white sandalwood may cause itching, nausea, gastrointestinal complaints, and blood in the urine. Prolonged use or large doses can lead to kidney damage. Topically, it may cause contact dermatitis in some sensitive individuals.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is concern about the quality and standardization of white sandalwood oil products. ISO 3518-2002 sets standards for white sandalwood oil, specifying minimum percentages of alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. Testing of some products marketed as white sandalwood oil did not meet these ISO standards, suggesting possible adulteration or the use of different species of sandalwood.

What Is White Sandalwood Typically Used For?

White sandalwood is commonly used orally for various purposes such as treating urinary tract infections, vaginitis, infections, common cold, cough, bronchitis, fever, inflammatory conditions of the mouth and pharynx, liver disease, gallbladder complaints, heat stroke, gonorrhea, headache, and cardiovascular conditions. It is also used as an anti-aphrodisiac and antiseptic. Inhalation of white sandalwood oil is used for stress, anxiety, and mental alertness. However, it is important to note that there is insufficient evidence to fully support the effectiveness of white sandalwood for these uses. Further research is needed in this area.

Drugs that interact with White Sandalwood