Other names for Indian Redwood

caesalpinia sappan
caesalpinia sappan extract
caesalpinia sappan heartwood extract, dry
sappan wood
sappanwood
sappanwood (caesalpinia sappan) dried heartwood liquid extract
sappan wood extract
sappanwood heartwood extract
sappanwood heartwood extract, dry

Synopsis of Indian Redwood

History

Indian Redwood, scientifically known as Biancaea sappan (formerly Caesalpinia sappan), has a rich history in traditional medicine, especially across India and Southeast Asia. Revered in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems, Indian Redwood has been prized for its potent healing properties for centuries. Traditionally, its heartwood was used to prepare decoctions and infusions believed to purify blood, support cardiovascular health, and promote overall vitality. Its natural red dye, sappanin, was thought to carry therapeutic benefits, making it a common ingredient in remedies for skin disorders, wounds, and infections due to its reputed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Indian Redwood has also been utilized to manage menstrual disorders, alleviate pain, and address digestive complaints. The wood and bark were often ground into powders or brewed into herbal teas to soothe coughs, fevers, and respiratory ailments. Its astringent and cooling qualities made it valuable in calming inflammation and supporting the body's natural healing processes.

In herbal combinations, Indian Redwood frequently partners with other botanicals such as Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Emblica officinalis (Amla), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) to enhance its restorative and detoxifying effects. These combinations synergistically support immune health, detoxification, and rejuvenation, making Indian Redwood a cherished component in classical and modern herbal formulations. With ongoing research affirming its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Indian Redwood continues to be a valued and positive contributor to holistic wellness traditions.

Traditional and scientific validation

Indian Redwood, known botanically as Biancaea sappan (formerly Caesalpinia sappan), is a tree native to India and Southeast Asia whose heartwood has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Historically, the wood and its extracts have been employed to support blood purification, enhance skin health, and address conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation. The reddish dye, brazilin, derived from Indian Redwood, has been particularly valued both as a natural colorant and for its presumed medicinal properties.

Modern scientific investigations have begun to substantiate some of these traditional uses. Preclinical studies suggest that Indian Redwood exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective properties, likely due to its rich content of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and the active constituent brazilin. Laboratory research has demonstrated its potential to modulate inflammatory pathways and support liver function in animal models. Additionally, some in vitro studies indicate antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. There are few well-designed human trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of Indian Redwood for specific health outcomes. While the early findings are promising and support its traditional reputation, further research is needed to fully validate its benefits in nutritional supplements. Nevertheless, Indian Redwood continues to make a positive contribution to herbal formulations, and its long history of use provides a strong foundation for future scientific exploration.

Indian Redwood is used for these health conditions

Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)

Indian Redwood is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)

Products containing Indian Redwood

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.