Sandalwood Oil

SANDALWOOD OIL, Oleum Santali (Ph. VII), an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the wood of the trunk and roots of sandalwood tree (Santalum album L., family Santalaceae), growing in East India. A transparent, viscous, slightly yellowish liquid with a fragrant odor and a spicy-bitter taste; specific gravity 0.973-0.985; plane of polarization rotates to the left (from -15° to -21°); soluble in 5-7 parts of 70° alcohol; the appearance of turbidity upon further addition of 70° alcohol indicates the presence of admixed foreign oils. The main component determining the therapeutic value of S. m. is Santalol, C₁₅H₂₃OH, a terpene alcohol. In S. m. there is usually a mixture of right- and left-rotating modifications of Santalol; according to Ph. VII the oil should contain not less than 90% Santalol; pure Santalol obtained from S. m. by fractional distillation is known under the name Gonorol (an obsolete name for Santalol-areol). It is applied almost exclusively in gonorrheal urethritis and cystitis, the effect obtained being analogous to that in balsamic therapy (see Balsams). Among balsamic remedies S. m. and its derivatives are distinguished by their least side (irritating) action. It is administered internally 15-20 drops 2-4 times a day after meals. The best form of application is filled S. m. gelatin capsules (sandalwood pearls). Preparations of S. m.: Gonorol (see), Gonosan (see), Santyl - Santalol salicylate ether, a light yellow liquid, administered internally 20-30 drops in gelatin capsules, Salosantal - a 33% solution of Salol in S. m. Among other preparations of S. m., which at present have no practical significance, are: Blenal - Santalol carbonic acid ether, Allosan - Santalol allophanic acid ether, Thyresol - methyl Santalol ether, etc. In addition, there is a series of patented preparations from sandalwood oil (Santal Midy capsules, Werber pills, etc.).