Anti-cariogenic & Cytotoxic Activity of Red Sandal (Pterocarpus santalinus) Ethanolic Extract

Introduction: Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names red sanders, red saunders, red sandalwood, Rakt Chandan, and saunderswood, is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood.The use of ethanolic extract is a cost-effective way to produce a quality extract from a large volume of plants.Pterocarpus santalinus has a characteristic anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity.This study aimed to find the Anti cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus (Red sandal) ethanolic extract preparation.

Materials and Methods: The anticariogenic activity was done by using agar well diffusion technique and the cytotoxic activity was done by Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Pterocarpus santalinus were purchased commercially from an herbal health centre, in Chennai. The obtained powder Pterocarpus santalinus stored in an airtight container. 5 gram of powder is mixed with 50 ml of ethanol and kept in the orbital shaker for 72 hours , after it has boiled in a heating mantle at 62- 70 degree c for 5-10 min. The extract is filtered using whatman filter paper 1.The filter extract again contracted using heating mantle.

Results: The extract shows very good anticariogenic and cytotoxic activity of P.santalinus ethanolic extract by using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.

Conclusion: The Anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus ethanolic extract preparation was effective.