Lab and animal studies show that α-santalol (a compound in sandalwood) stopped skin cancer growth in mice exposed to chemicals and UV-B without toxic side effects. It also showed activity against melanoma, breast, and prostate cancer cells in test tubes by triggering cancer cells to die and stop dividing.

Researchers tested sandalwood oil and α-santalol in mice genetically prone to skin cancer, in mice exposed to UV radiation, and in human cancer cells grown in the lab.

Funding not disclosed in abstract