Synonym. Oil Of Sandal Wood

A volatile oil distilled from the wood of Santalum album Linne (nat. ord. Santalaceae).

Habitat, - Southern India.

Characters

A pale yellowish or yellow, somewhat thickish liquid, having a peculiar, strongly aromatic odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. . Sp. gr., 0.970 to 0.978. It deviates polarized light to the left: distinction from Australian (Sp. gr., 0.953) and West Indian (Sp. gr., 0.965) Sandal Wood Oil, which deviate polarized light to the right.

Solubility

Readily in Alcohol.

Composition

Santalol, C15H26O, an alcohol, 90 per cent.

Dose, 2 to 10 m.; .12 to .60 c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Oil Of Santal

The action of the oil of santal is the same as that of volatile oils in general, but, like that of the oils of copaiba and cubeb, it is especially manifested in the genito-urinary mucous membranes, which are stimulated and disinfected. The drug is used in gonorrhoea and gleet. It is best administered in capsules, or in an emulsion. It is pleasanter than copaiba, but more expensive. It appears in the urine half an hour after administration. Some of it is excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane; it is, therefore, a stimulating disinfectant expectorant. Two or three drops on sugar will frequently relieve the hacking cough so often met with when but little sputum is expectorated.