Multifunctional Therapeutic Potential of Phytocomplexes from Pterocarpus santalinus: A Review

Pterocarpus Santalinus: (red sandalwood) is a medicinal species native to the Eastern Ghats of South India, traditionally used in Ayurveda and Siddha for the treatment of inflammatory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and metabolic disorders. Modern studies support its therapeutic potential against cancer, oxidative stress, infections, ulcers, and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its broad pharmacological significance. The diverse pharmacological effects of P. santalinus are attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. The plant harbors a wide array of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, steroids, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, benzofurans, coumarins, lignans, pterocarpans, aurones, and chalcones. These bioactive compounds function both individually and synergistically to elicit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, woundhealing, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, its ability to regulate metabolic pathways linked to diabetes and dyslipidemia highlights its promise for addressing non-communicable diseases. Mechanistic studies further reveal that these pharmacological actions are mediated through multiple molecular pathways, notably NF-κB, MAPK, Nrf2-ARE, and TGF-β/Smads, underscoring its multitarget mode of action. Despite its long-standing ethnopharmacological relevance and promising experimental evidence, systematic scientific investigation of P. santalinus remains limited. Future research should focus on bioassay-guided isolation, in vivo validation, safety, and pharmacokinetic evaluation, and the integration of network pharmacology, metabolomics, and sustainable cultivation to enable efficient lead discovery and conservation. In conclusion, a systematic phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of P. santalinus is essential to validate its traditional uses, establish the therapeutic value of its chemical constituents, and support its integration into mainstream pharmaceutical and commercial applications.