A few drops of wood extract in drinking water is considered refreshing, due to the fragrance and colour it imparts[299 ]. The dye obtained from the wood is sometimes used to colour food[299 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Sappanwood is used in the traditional medicines of various Asiatic countries[299 ]. Modern research has identified various medically active compounds in the plant, particularly brazilin, which is found in the heartwood[299 ]. Brazilin has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune functions; plus a hypoglycaemic action and increased glucose metabolism[299 ]. A decoction of the wood has shown antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae and Bacillus subtilis. An extract of Caesalpinia sappan was found to be a potent agent for inactivating human sperm in vitro; about 2.5 mg/ml is required to reduce motility to 50%[299 ]. A decoction or infusion of the heartwood is generally considered a strong emmenagogue and astringent. It is also used to cure wounds (also with a plaster of macerated leaves and bark), tuberculosis, diarrhoea and dysentery and is reported as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, hypoglycaemic and xanthine oxidase-inhibitory activities[299 ]. The seeds serve as a sedative[299 ].

Agroforestry Uses: The tree is often planted as a living fence. Owing to its easy growth and dense growth habit, it is used for defining the boundaries of land and for protecting plantations against grazing animals[299 ]. Other Uses A red dye is obtained from the wood[[46 , 299 ]. Silk, wool, cotton, matting and basket fibres can be dyed with it[299 ]. The wood is ground into a coarse powder, moistened with water and allowed to ferment for a few weeks to increase the colouring power of the dye[299 ]. It is then boiled in water and the liquid can either be used immediately or evaporated and stored as a dry soluble extract for future use[299 ]. The mordants used (e.g. aluminium acetate, stannic salts, oxalic acid) determine the final colour of the cloth, which can vary from shades of red to pink, violet and brown[299 ]. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[598 ]. The fruits contain tannin and were used in the past to prepare a black dye in combination with an iron mordant[299 ]. The seedpods are used, like those of several other related species, together with protosulphate of iron, to make an ink or black dye[459 ]. The leaves can be used to hasten ripening of fruits such as bananas and mangoes[299 ]. A gum is obtained from the stem[303 ]. The leaves contain a pleasant smelling volatile oil[303 ]. The wood is straight grained with a fine to moderately fine texture, fairly heavy, hard and lustrous[299 ]. It is difficult to dry and is susceptible to warping and collapse, but moderately easy to work; it takes a high finish, and is tough and resistant to termite attack[299 ]. It has been used in cabinet-making since mediaeval times, especially for inlay decoration[299 ]. It is often used for carving[598 ]. The wood is also is a good source of firewood[299 ].

Special Uses