Sandalwood Sustainable Harvesting Methods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47363/JBBR/2025(7)204Keywords:
Sandalwood oil, trees, fragrance, pharmaceutical, cosmetic industries, woody aroma, therapeutic propertiesAbstract
Sandalwood oil is one of the most valuable essential oils globally,extracted primarily from trees of the genus Santalum (Indian
sandalwood, Santalum album) and Osyris (African sandalwood,Osyris lanceolata). The oil is highly sought after in the fragrance,
pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its unique woody aroma and numerous therapeutic properties. The global
sandalwood oil market was valued at approximately $150 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023
to 2030. Sandalwood oil is composed mainly of sesquiterpenes, with α-santalol (41–55%) and β-santalol (16–24%) being the key
components responsible for its fragrance and medicinal benefits.Traditionally, sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurveda, Chinese
medicine, and aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,and sedative properties. Due to increasing demand, commercial
production of sandalwood oil has expanded beyond its native regions, leading to conservation concerns as wild populations
continue to decline.