Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Heartwood, particularly of certain trees such as Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood) or Santalum album (Sandalwood), has been traditionally used in various systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani to support liver health and treat conditions such as jaundice. In these traditional practices, heartwood is often included in herbal formulations believed to help “cool” the body and support detoxification processes, including the treatment of jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels from liver dysfunction. The presumed efficacy is based largely on historical use and anecdotal reports rather than robust clinical evidence.

Modern scientific research on the use of heartwood specifically for treating jaundice in adults is limited and largely inconclusive. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain phytochemicals found in heartwood extracts (like santalin and pterostilbene) may possess hepatoprotective or antioxidant properties, there is insufficient clinical data to substantiate these effects in humans or to confirm efficacy for jaundice treatment. As a result, its use is primarily justified by tradition, and the quality of evidence supporting its effectiveness for this condition is low.

More about heartwood
More about Jaundice (adults)

Other ingredients used for Jaundice (adults)

Other health conditions supported by heartwood

Products containing heartwood