Nestled in the lush landscapes of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, a distinctive hardwood known locally as “จันทน์ขาว” (chandan khao, or white sandalwood) has quietly served generations as a cornerstone of traditional healing. The botanical hero of this story, Tarenna hoaensis Pit., holds a place not only in herbal lore but also on the threshold of contemporary scientific curiosity. While ancient practitioners revered its aromatic wood and heartwood extracts as cooling agents, fever reducers, and components of ceremonial offerings, today’s researchers are beginning to unlock its deeper biochemical secrets, exploring the very real possibility that chandan khao holds pharmacological promise fit for modern times.
To understand the unique stature of chandan khao in Thai culture, one must first appreciate the symbolic and practical importance of aromatic woods across local traditions. White sandalwood’s kinship with the globally renowned Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) may have partly influenced its esteemed place in rituals, but its use in native medicine is distinctively Southeast Asian. Healers and herbalists have historically employed its heartwood—obtained from the trunk’s core—in the preparation of cooling balms, fever remedies, and soothing infusions. These beliefs draw in part from the lived realities of a hot, humid climate, where remedies that “cool the body” are not just prescriptions but palpable necessities.
According to historical Thai herbal texts and records, chandan khao’s principal uses have included its integration into decoctions for treating fevers, headaches, heatstroke, and problems attributed to a bodily “excess of heat” (he01.tci-thaijo.org). Unlike some potent medicinals known for their bitterness, the mild astringent, pleasantly fragrant nature of chandan khao has made it a favorite base for mixture in complex multi-herb remedies, often alongside botanicals designed for cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. In ceremonial contexts, its shredded wood or powder is sometimes used in Buddhist rites or funerary customs, symbolizing purity and the fleeting nature of life (wikipedia).
Yet, for all its historic repute, modern science demands evidence beyond tradition. How does Tarenna hoaensis actually fare under the scrutiny of biochemical and pharmacological investigations?
The answer, as one might expect with lesser-known medicinal plants, is nuanced, with research focusing more broadly on its genus and close relatives, such as Tarenna asiatica and Tarenna grandiflora. These plants, sharing many phytochemical characteristics, have yielded encouraging results in academic studies—if not always specifically for chandan khao, their findings provide a strong clue to its potential.
Notably, phytochemical analyses of Tarenna species reveal a rich composition of flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids—classes of compounds renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sometimes antimicrobial properties (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Research on Tarenna asiatica, for example, has confirmed the presence of catechins, phenolic acids, and flavone glycosides. These molecules are known to neutralize free radicals (thus slowing cellular aging), ease inflammation, and reportedly inhibit the growth of certain microbial pathogens (jrmds.in). Although direct analyses of Tarenna hoaensis remain limited, botanically informed extrapolation suggests similar core benefits.
A closer look at the Thai herbalist community illuminates chandan khao’s continued place in home remedies and professionally administered traditional treatments. According to a recent conference paper on the authentication and use of heartwood from this species and its relatives, Thai practitioners prefer the mature, richly colored core wood—sometimes called “แก่นจันทน์ขาว”—as this part is said to contain the highest concentration of cooling, anti-inflammatory volatile oils (hu.ac.th). In multi-herb preparations such as “ya ha rak” or the “five roots” formula, chandan khao is often blended with other fever mitigators, sometimes prescribed as a tonic during the hot season or for those with constitutionally “hot” bodily conditions, as described in Thai traditional medicine (TTM) theory.
The wisdom behind such combinations finds some validation in emerging scientific studies. For instance, a study referenced in the publicly available abstracts describes how botanical remedies rich in polyphenols—like those found in Tarenna spp.—consistently demonstrate antioxidant activity in vitro, reducing cellular damage under conditions simulating oxidative stress (nature.com). Such antioxidant properties may help explain the herb’s use for fever and malaise, although real-life dose, absorption, and effect in humans remain to be elucidated by clinical trials specifically targeting chandan khao.
Moreover, some in-vitro and pre-clinical studies on related species have pointed to potential antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity, where traditional practitioners also sometimes recommend chandan khao for mild skin infections, boils, or digestive issues, usually in combination with herbs possessing more direct healing (wound-cleaning) action (ResearchGate). Notably, the absence of reports about serious side effects in folk usage is supported by available scientific analyses, though rare cases of allergy or gastrointestinal discomfort have been noted with some Thai herbal products (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Nonetheless, the bridge from test tube to real-world application cannot be crossed on the strength of laboratory data alone. Public health officials and qualified Thai traditional medicine professionals consistently stress the importance of sourcing authentic herbs (free from adulterants or misidentified species), using correct dosages, and tailoring treatments to individual needs—especially when dealing with children, pregnant women, or those taking prescription medications (bangkokvanguards.com). This is especially relevant given the rise in popularity of home remedies and self-care during periods of healthcare scarcity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic era, when reliance on traditional herbs spiked alongside demand for reliable medical information.
Through the lens of Thai culture, chandan khao also emerges as a botanical symbol—a physical and spiritual salve for heat, imbalance, and life’s transitions. In Buddhist tradition, aromatic woods convey respect for life and transience. In village contexts, the gentle infusion of heartwood into everyday decoctions carries the legacy of ancestors whose environmental knowledge predated modern pharmacology. For health-conscious Thais and herb enthusiasts worldwide, this convergence of ancestral wisdom and careful, evidence-based inquiry offers a reassuring template for herbal medicine in the 21st century.
Looking forward, the future of chandan khao as a mainstream herbal remedy relies on robust research—especially clinical trials confirming its safety, efficacy, and mechanisms in humans. Collaboration among traditional practitioners, academic scientists, and regulatory authorities will be vital to establish standards for harvesting, preparation, and administration. Increasing interest in natural wellness in Thailand and abroad ensures continued attention to such remedies, provided that the allure of tradition is matched with the rigor of science.
For those considering the use of chandan khao or any herbal preparation, the best course is always cautious curiosity: consult a licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioner or medical doctor, especially if you have chronic conditions, are pregnant, or are already on medication. Remember, while herbal remedies like chandan khao hold centuries of accumulated wisdom, the journey from ancient forests to your teacup—or medicine chest—deserves the guidance of both tradition and science.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of qualified health professionals before beginning or making changes to your herbal or wellness routines.
Sources:
- Tarenna hoaensis - Wikipedia
- Phytochemical and antioxidant studies in Tarenna genus - PubMed
- Phytochemical properties of Tarenna asiatica - ResearchGate
- Traditional Thai herbal usage conference paper (in Thai)
- Antioxidant effects and herbal profiles in Thai medicine - Nature
- Safety of Thai herbal products - PubMed
- Bangkok Vanguards: Thai herbal self-reliance