Chemical Aspects of Santalin as a Histological Stain

Abstract

Recent research on the chemical nature of the red dyes isolated from Pterocarpus santalinus and certain West African plants, i.e., Baphia nitida, Pterocarpus osun and Pterocarpus soyauxii, were reviewed. P. santalinus contains santalins A, B and C, but no santarubin. Santalins and santarubins were found in P. osun, P. soyauxii and B. nitida. The structural formula of the santalins are presented and their differences from santarubins are indicated. Santalins A and B have some similarities in structure with hematein. This is probably responsible for their staining properties; the possible mechanism of staining is discussed.