Here’s a very interesting research review from the Journal of Anti-Cancer Research of several studies performed using Sandalwood essential oil as an anti-cancer agent. This peer-reviewed This is an excellent follow up of our previous post Frankincense & Sandalwood Essential Oils Kill Cancer Cells in Different, Complementary Ways*

Sandalwood heartwood is distilled into the highly-prized essential oil

A Breif History of Sandalwood Essential Oil Research: Sandalwood oil is widely used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. It has neuroleptic, relaxing, soothing, bronchial dilating and astringent effects. α-Santalol has been reported to have central nervous system depressant effects, such as sedation. It promotes restful sleep and helps to ease an anxious mind.

Sandalwood and Better Sleep: In sleep-disturbed rats, inhalation of α-santalol (Ed. note: Indian Sandalwood Santalum album is approximately 90% Santalols, more than any other species) affected the sleep-wake cycle, and caused a significant decrease in total waking time and an increase in total non-rapid eye movement sleep time. Results also suggest the action of α-santalol via the circulatory system by absorption into the blood through the respiratory mucosa rather than the olfactory system. (Note that this works via topical application and/or inhalation, not so much from the smelling of the aroma!)

And Finally: Sandalwood & Cancer Research, A Multiple Study Review
Published in the Journal of Anti-Cancer Research, June 2015

Article Abstract: “Effective management of tumorigenesis requires development of better anticancer agents with greater efficacy and fewer side-effects. Natural products are important sources for the development of chemotherapeutic agents and almost 60% of anticancer drugs are of natural origin. α-Santlol, a sesquiterpene isolated from Sandalwood, is known for a variety of therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-bacterial activities.

Cell line and animal studies reported chemopreventive effects of sandalwood oil and α-santalol without causing toxic side-effects. Our laboratory identified its anticancer effects in chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis in CD-1 and SENCAR mice, ultraviolet-B-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice and in vitro models of melanoma, non-melanoma, breast and prostate cancer.

Its ability to induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells is its most reported anticancer mechanism of action. The present review discusses studies that support the anticancer effect and the mode of action of sandalwood oil and α-santalol in carcinogenesis.”

We regret to say the full text is not available for reprint, though one may purchase it here: http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/35/6

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.