Santol (Sandoricum koetjape): Medicinal Uses & Properties

Santol (Sandoricum koetjape): Traditional Uses & Phytochemical Profile

Santol (cotton fruit) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Various parts used in folk medicine; preclinical research emerging.

Reported Traditional Uses

1. Antimicrobial: Leaf/bark extracts inhibit S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans (in vitro). Used for wounds, skin infections, ringworm.
2. Antidiarrheal: Bark/leaf decoction—tannins, flavonoids reduce motility, secretion.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Fruit, leaf, bark extracts suppress COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 in animal models (arthritis, colitis).
4. Antioxidant: High flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), carotenoids, vitamin C—scavenge ROS, reduce lipid peroxidation.
5. Antidiabetic Potential: Leaf/fruit extracts lower blood glucose in streptozotocin-diabetic rats (α-glucosidase inhibition, insulin sensitization). Human data lacking.
6. Wound Healing: Crushed leaf poultice; accelerated epithelialization in animal studies.
7. Digestive Aid: Ripe fruit pulp—carminative, mild laxative.
8. Anti-ulcer: Bark/leaf protect gastric mucosa (mucus enhancement, antioxidant) in ethanol/indomethacin models.
9. Anticancer (Preclinical): Cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines (breast, colon, liver); mechanisms: apoptosis, cell cycle arrest. Not clinical evidence.
10. Antiparasitic: Seed extract vs. Plasmodium (malaria) in vitro.

Phytochemicals

• Triterpenes (sentulic acid), flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, sterols.

Safety & Caveats

• Seeds are toxic (hydrocyanic acid precursors)—do not consume.
• Human clinical trials absent. Dose, toxicity, drug interactions unknown.
• May interact with anticoagulants, antidiabetics.
• Pregnancy/lactation: avoid medicinal use.

Consult a healthcare provider before using santol medicinally. It complements—not replaces—evidence-based treatment.