sappanwood

Sappanwood refers to the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan, a tropical tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). The wood is native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent and is valued chiefly for the reddish dye it yields when processed. The timber is moderately dense and has historically been used for small woodworking projects, but its economic importance has largely rested on the dye produced from the heartwood.

Chemistry and dyeing properties: The heartwood contains brazilin, a red dye precursor, and its oxidation product brazilein, which together give a deep red to purplish color. Extracts are obtained by soaking the wood in hot water or alcohol, producing a soluble dye that has been used to color textiles.

Uses: The primary historical use of sappanwood is as a natural dye for fabrics such as silk and wool. The dye, sometimes called sappan dye, is often used with mordants to improve color fastness. In addition to dye production, the wood has been used as a source of tannins and, in various Asian traditional medicines, parts of the tree have been employed for medicinal purposes. Modern investigations have explored potential bioactive properties, but evidence remains limited.

History and significance: Sappanwood was traded from tropical Asia to Europe and the Middle East from antiquity through the early modern period, with synthetic dyes eventually reducing its industrial prominence. Today it remains of interest to natural-dye practitioners and heritage crafts, though it is not a major commodity in contemporary textile production.