α-santalol

α-Santalol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene and the primary active constituent of East Indian sandalwood oil (*Santalum album*). It has been extensively investigated for its chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroleptic properties. In oncology models, α-santalol exhibits potent antimitotic and pro-apoptotic activities by directly binding to tubulin at the colchicine site, thereby inhibiting microtubule polymerization and inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. It also acts as an antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to suppress angiogenesis, and has been identified as a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist. Additionally, α-santalol exhibits weak antagonistic activity against dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, contributing to its observed sedative and neuroleptic effects. It has been clinically evaluated in topical formulations for the treatment of skin conditions, including common warts and molluscum contagiosum.

Other names

(Z)-alpha-santalol(Z)-α-santalolalpha-santalol