Індійське сандалове дерево

Santalum album is an evergreen tree of the family Santalaceae that grows between 4 and 9 metres. The tree parasitises the roots of other tree species through a haustorium adaptation on its own roots, without major detriment to its hosts. The trunk starts to develop its fragrance after about 10 years of growth but is not ready to harvest until after 20. Usually the older trees yield the highest oil content and quality. The species is considered sacred in some religions, such as Hinduism. The IUCN recognises Santalum album as a vulnerable species. Santalum album is native to dry tropical regions of Indonesia (Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands), the Philippines and Western Australia. It is cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Northern Australia.

The heartwood yields an oil dominated by alpha- and beta-santalol, which together contribute over 80% of its relative content. The ISO standard for Santalum album oil specifies 41-55% alpha-santalol and 16-24% beta-santalol. More than 150 terpenoid compounds have been identified in the essential oil of the heartwood, the minor ones including alpha-santalene, beta-santalene and alpha-bergamotene. Over 85% of the oil consists of sesquiterpenoids. The resulting isobornyl cyclohexanol can be distinguished from santalol, but is much cheaper.

In 2020 Indian sandalwood oil was priced at about US$2,500 per kg, higher than Australian sandalwood oil at around US$1,500 per kg, owing to its higher alpha-santalol content. Governments regulate the harvest of sandalwood trees in India, Pakistan and Nepal, though many trees are illegally cut down. India used to be the world's biggest producer, but Australia has overtaken it in the 21st century.

Mysore Sandalwood Oil is a trademarked perfume oil extracted from Santalum album in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India. In 2006 the oil was listed under the GI Act 1999 of the Government of India as Mysore Sandalwood Oil. In 1942 Mysore sandalwood oil was assessed as having an assured minimum of 90% santalol. Mysore sandalwood oil is used in the manufacture of soaps, incense, scents and cosmetics, and has several uses in religious rites and in pharmaceuticals.

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Related: Bacdanol · Firsantol · Mysore Sandalwood · Paraguayan Green Sandalwood · Sandalore · Sandalwood · Sandela · Santamanol