Indian Redwood (Biancaea sappan, formerly Caesalpinia sappan) has been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Historically, its heartwood and extracts have been employed for their purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Ethnobotanical records suggest its use in treating infections, wounds, and skin diseases—contexts where modern medicine would often use antibiotics.

Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of Indian Redwood possess antibacterial activity against certain pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The active compounds, such as brazilin and sappanins, are thought to contribute to these effects. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and there is no established dosing, safety, or efficacy data for its use as an antibiotic alternative. Thus, while its use is rooted in traditional practices and supported by limited preclinical research, it is not scientifically validated as a replacement for antibiotics in modern medicine.

In summary, the use of Indian Redwood as an alternative to antibiotics is primarily based on traditional knowledge, with only preliminary scientific evidence supporting its antimicrobial activity.