Skincare Benefits of Sappan Wood

Sappanwood is the common name for the tiny, prickly Caesalpinia sappan tree, which is a member of the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family (Pea family). The plant's original range extends from central and southern India through Peninsular Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Indo-China, and southern China. There are various uses for the sappanwood plant and it is also used to make organic face care products. It is both antimicrobial and anticoagulant. Today, we'll talk about the Benefits of sappanwood, its characteristics, and the most often asked questions about it.

Benefits of sappanwood:

Benefit #1: Heals Skin Infections:

Boiling water with Sappan wood shavings retains antimicrobial properties. The property is a consequence of the presence of methanol in the wood. Methanol discourages the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which causes skin infections and food poisoning.

Benefit #2: Heals wounds:

Compounds like Brazilein and Sapponone present in Sappan Wood have anti-inflammatory properties. They show catalytic action for treating wounds and reducing inflammation. People who are suffering from inflammation can benefit by consuming Sappan Wood water regularly.

Benefit #3: Reduces Skin Allergic Problems:

If you're one of those facing allergic problems then get yourself a Sappan wood right away. Slurping ample of it relieves any allergic action and helps in the longer run.

Research states that the compounds in Sappan wood, especially Sappan chalcone are the main cause of its anti-allergic properties.

Benefit #4: Inhibits Skin Cancer:

The natural compound Brazilein present in Sappan Wood or Pathimugam has been shown to induce death in cancer cells. It has hence been proven effective against skin and breast cancer. The compound is present in the sapwood of the tree which is resinous.

Benefit #5: Helps in Skin Whitening:

You may get your daily antioxidant supplement from tea. But tea can also cause acidity-related issues. So a subtraction of all demerits of tea from the antioxidants that you get from it is called the Sappan wood tea. Shocking research proves that Sapponwood supplies more antioxidants than quercetin, a flavonoid found in antioxidant-rich foods like prunes.

Benefit #6: Battles acne:

Rinsing your face twice a day with Sappan wood water can turn out to be an acne treatment. The same red pigment Brazilian yielded from Sappan wood extract is known to fight Propionibacterium, a bacteria that causes inflammation of the eyelids.

What Properties Does Sappan Wood Have?

Property #1: Cytotoxicity and Anti-Tumour Properties:

A study by MTT and Western Blot shows that Sappan Wood is a great inhibitor of tumour-causing cells. This property of Sappan Wood comes from its red component called Brazilein.

Sappan Wood is found to be effective against cytotoxicity, a problem of being resistant to cells. A study done on Albino mice showed an increase in their life span.

Property #2: HEPATOPROTECTIVE Property:

Sappan Wood is great for anyone facing hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity is basically the damage caused to the liver as a result of medicine or chemicals. This property of Sappan Wood comes from its component called Methanol.

Property #3: IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE Property:

Brazilein also acts as an immunosuppressive component and has been shown to inhibit the growth of T cells in the human body. Immunosuppressants are needed so the WBCs do not destroy healthy cells. Ethanol, which is present in sappan Wood, is a great immunosuppressant.

Property #4: ANTIOXIDANT Property:

Medically speaking, Brazilein has the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity as compared to standard Vitamin E. This altogether means that Brazilein is great for protecting your skin against free radicals. It also inhibits peroxide formation, which is known to increase the scars on the skin by affecting the wound-healing process.

Property #5: ANTI ALLERGIC Property:

The roots of Sappan contain a good percentage of dichloromethane. Dichloromethane helps inhibit β- hexosaminidase and provides anti-allergic benefits to the skin. A test on rats showed the huge potential of Sappan Wood against allergies. Sappan Wood also acts as a great anti-inflammatory, all credits to Sappan chalcone present in it.

Property #6: HYPOGLYCEMIC Property:

Hypoglycemia is a condition where the sugar level in the body is lower than the standard range. Brazilein is found to have hypoglycaemic properties and increases glucose metabolism. Glucose metabolism is needed to provide cells with the energy necessary for survival.

FAQ Related to Sappan Wood:

1. Does Sappan Wood have any side effects?

Sappan Wood has no side effects and this has been tested, Sappan Wood has been tested for toxicity and in all cases, it proved to be completely safe. Also, there were no signs of toxicity in terms of general behaviour and mortality.

2. What are Sappan Wood's medicinal uses?

A mixture of Sappan Wood in water is great for stimulating menstrual flow and, due to its tannic and gallic acids, it is used in mild cases of dysentery and diarrhea. It is also used against certain skin infections as a treatment. The Sappan decoction is also given to women after labour to relieve pain and reduce vomiting blood.

3. From where to buy Sappan Wood skincare products?

Sappan Wood skin care products can traditionally be found in any Kerala Stores or Kerala Ayurvedic Stores. Although, these Sappan Wood skin care products can also be found online easily.