Tropical Plant Research

S. S. Bisht* and Rakesh Kumar

*Wood Properties and Uses, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, 18th Cross Malleshwaram, Bengaluru-560003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2021.v8.i1.002

Abstract:
Phytochemical investigations of fruit, seed, bark, leaf, stem and root of Indian Sandalwood using various methods, revealed the presence of different groups of phytochemicals like fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated), amino acids (essential and non-essential), sesquiterpene alcohols (α- and β- santalol etc.), terpenes (squalene), sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, flavonoids, tannins, esters, aldehydes, vitamin, and minerals. The availability and production of sandalwood have been declined significantly due to overharvesting and poaching of natural resources. The low production and high demand lead to the sky rocketed price of the Sandalwood and its oil. Due to high value, the illegal trade as well as adulteration of Indian Sandalwood and its oil with other similar species and materials, is the major concern of trades and consumers safety. This review paper covers comprehensive information about different classes of phytochemicals found in various parts of Indian Sandalwood and potential adulterants or substitutes of the sandalwood and its oil. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the phytochemicals found in different plants parts of the Indian sandalwood being documented.