Herb & supplement monograph

Red Sandalwood Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Red Sandalwood interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Red Sandalwood is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Red Sandalwood is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Red Sandalwood Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Red Sandalwood drug interaction appears low for most people, though it is not zero. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the supporting evidence comes mainly from animal research or theoretical reasoning rather than human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that stands out most involves lithium. Red Sandalwood may act as a mild diuretic, and diuretic effects can reduce how the body clears lithium, potentially raising lithium levels, a medicine with a narrow safety margin. This concern has somewhat stronger support than the others. Diabetes medications also deserve a mention: animal research shows red sandalwood bark extract can lower blood glucose, so combining it with these drugs could theoretically drop blood sugar too far. Anyone taking either should keep a closer eye on levels or readings with their prescriber.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks more worrying than it is. Most entries trace back to these same underlying concerns, predicted from animal studies or how the supplement might work in theory, not from problems actually reported in people. A predicted interaction is a reason for awareness, not proof that the combination causes harm.

Check your medications against Red Sandalwood

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Red Sandalwood interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Red Sandalwood

87 medications have a known interaction with Red Sandalwood, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcetohexamideDymelor
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Acetohexamide interaction
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
CanagliflozinInvokana
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Canagliflozin interaction Canagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Canagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Chlorpropamide interaction
DapagliflozinFarxiga
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dapagliflozin interaction Dapagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interaction
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interaction Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DulaglutideTrulicity
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Dulaglutide interaction Dulaglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
EmpagliflozinJardiance
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Empagliflozin interaction Empagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Empagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ErtugliflozinSteglatro
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Ertugliflozin interaction Ertugliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ExenatideBydureon, Byetta
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Exenatide interaction Exenatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Exenatide Synthetic interaction Exenatide Synthetic drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GliclazideDiamicron
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Gliclazide interaction
GlimepirideAmaryl
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Glimepiride interaction Glimepiride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Glipizide interaction Glipizide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Glipizide, Metformin interaction
GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels.

Read the full Red Sandalwood + Glucagon interaction Glucagon drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Red Sandalwood combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Red Sandalwood affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Red Sandalwood is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Red Sandalwood interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsLithium
Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that an aqueous extra of red sandalwood bark reduces blood glucose levels. Red sandalwood bark extract 250 mg/kg orally daily lowers blood glucose in a rat model of diabetes. Theoretically, red sandalwood extract might have additive effects when used concomitantly with antidiabetes drugs and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels close. Dosage adjustments may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), and tolbutamide (Orinase).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Red sandalwood is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, red sandalwood might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Red Sandalwood: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a hardwood used in traditional medicine and in skin and cosmetic preparations, valued for its red pigment and astringent properties. Solid human evidence for its health benefits is very limited, and most claims come from traditional use or laboratory studies. If you want to try it, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially before taking it internally.

Scientific name
Pterocarpus santalinus
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Heartwood (and wood powder/extract)
Common forms
Wood powder, paste, decoctions, extracts, and as an ingredient in skin and cosmetic preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Skin care and complexion
  • Acne and skin blemishes
  • Inflammation and minor wounds
  • Digestive complaints (traditional use)
  • Coloring and flavoring agent

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Limited human safety data exists, so use carefully and prefer external uses unless guided by a professional.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Red Sandalwood comes from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus, a slow-growing tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to parts of southern India and grows in dry, hilly regions. The tree is prized for its deep red wood, which is different from the fragrant white or yellow sandalwood (Santalum) used in perfumes.

Despite the shared name "sandalwood," Red Sandalwood is a different plant and is not aromatic in the same way. Its wood has long been used as a natural red dye and coloring agent, in woodworking, and in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda.

People most often use the wood as a powder or paste applied to the skin, or in traditional preparations. It also appears in some cosmetics and skin-care products.

Uses & effectiveness

Red Sandalwood is used traditionally for skin care, acne, minor wounds, inflammation, and various digestive complaints. It is also valued as a natural coloring agent.

The evidence for these uses is weak. Most of what we know comes from traditional practice and from laboratory or animal studies that look at antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial activity of compounds in the wood. These early findings are interesting but do not prove the herb works in people.

There are very few high-quality human clinical trials on Red Sandalwood. Because of this, it is honest to say the evidence is insufficient to confirm any specific health benefit. If you choose to use it, treat it as a traditional remedy rather than a proven treatment.

How it works

The red wood contains plant pigments and compounds such as santalins (which give the red color), flavonoids, and other polyphenols. In laboratory studies, some of these compounds show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, meaning they can interact with molecules linked to cell damage and inflammation in a test tube.

Researchers have also reported possible antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria in lab settings. These proposed mechanisms may help explain its traditional use on the skin and for wounds.

It is important to remember that most of this research is from the lab or from animals, not from well-designed human studies. Effects seen in a test tube do not always carry over to real benefits in the body.

Safety & precautions

There is not much modern safety data on Red Sandalwood, especially when taken by mouth. Used externally in cosmetic amounts, it is generally considered low-risk for most people, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Be cautious with internal use, since purity and dosing are not well standardized and the wood is sometimes adulterated or confused with other species. People with sensitive skin should do a small patch test before applying it widely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to call it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid using it during these times unless your doctor specifically approves.

Children, and people with chronic health conditions or who take regular medications, should check with a pharmacist or doctor before using Red Sandalwood.

Side effects

When applied to the skin, Red Sandalwood may cause irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction in sensitive people. Stop using it if you notice rash, itching, or swelling.

Side effects from taking it internally are not well documented because there is little research. Possible effects could include stomach upset. Because product quality varies, there is also a risk of contamination or mislabeling.

If you have any severe reaction, such as trouble breathing or significant swelling, stop use and seek medical care right away.

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose for Red Sandalwood. Traditional preparations vary widely, and modern clinical dosing has not been defined.

If you use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. For skin use, applying a small amount first to test for sensitivity is wise.

Because dosing and product quality are not standardized, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using Red Sandalwood, particularly if you plan to take it by mouth.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Red Sandalwood & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Red Sandalwood & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Red Sandalwood monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. El-Badawy RE, Ibrahim KA, Hassan NS, El-Sayed WM. Pterocarpus santalinus ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus via anti-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of insulin function. Iran J Basic Med Sci 2019;22(8):932-939.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Red Sandalwood

5 brands in our database make a supplement containing Red Sandalwood.

Product directory

Supplement products with Red Sandalwood

8 products in our database contain Red Sandalwood. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Sandalwood: Common Questions

Does Red Sandalwood interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Red Sandalwood. Use the checker above to see how Red Sandalwood interacts with a specific drug.
How are Red Sandalwood interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Red Sandalwood with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Red Sandalwood interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Red Sandalwood the same as the fragrant sandalwood used in perfumes?
No. Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a different tree from the aromatic white or yellow sandalwood (Santalum species). It is mainly valued for its red wood and pigment, not its fragrance.
What do people use Red Sandalwood for?
It is most commonly used traditionally for skin care, acne, minor wounds, and inflammation, and as a natural red coloring agent. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Red Sandalwood safe to use?
Used externally in small amounts it is generally low-risk for most people, but it can cause skin irritation. There is little safety data for taking it internally, so check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I use Red Sandalwood during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there is not enough information to know whether it is safe.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Red Sandalwood

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Red Sandalwood — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 8 products with Red Sandalwood →
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