From the following statement on the ChemCentre website;
Beneficial chemical properties of sandalwood nuts revealed - ChemCentre
These significant findings were presented by ChemCentre scientists at the mid-life project update for the collaborative Fight Food Waste CRC Sandalwood project in November 2023.
Representatives from the Australian Sandalwood Network, Fight Food Waste CRC, Curtin University and other collaborators were present at the event where these initial findings were announced by Dr Manjree Agarwal, Senior Scientist in ChemCentre’s Research and Innovation team. Dr Agarwal said ChemCentre, by leading this project, aims to fully establish the chemical and physical characteristics of Australian sandalwood products from raw material to finished products for the first time. Dr Agarwal said key results from analysis performed so far included:
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The nut kernels are high in fibre, high in protein and low in fat. They are a good source of vitamin E, which is also called the “beauty vitamin” as it helps with anti-aging, skin health, immunity, and proper functioning of the brain by preventing cell damage. The nuts are also high in minerals which are required for proper functioning of body, bones, muscles, heart and brain such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium along with phosphorous, copper, zinc and iron.
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The nuts contain high concentrations of antioxidant properties because of the presence of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids which have neuroprotectant, cardio protectant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property for humans.
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During testing the outer shell of the nut was found to have high antioxidant properties because of a very high concentration of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids, in addition to being high in fibre.
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Ximenynic acid, a known anti-inflammatory compound has been detected in both the nut and the shell. The presence of this free fatty acid strengthens the potential of using sandalwood nuts to develop high end premium anti-inflammatory therapeutic good and cosmetic products.
Dr Agarwal said: “The next stage of work involves developing TGA certified premium therapeutic and cosmetic products.
“This will deliver another important milestone which will assist the sandalwood industry to develop an additional, sustainable revenue stream in addition to heartwood, while diverting food waste away from landfill.”
Taste, tradition, transformation
SANDALWOOD NUT NEWS
JUNE 2025
Beneficial chemical properties of sandalwood nuts revealed
Meet our director,
taryn davis
Born and raised in the Shire of Mount Marshall, the Sandalwood Shire, our founder Taryn Davis is dedicated to reforesting the wheatbelt and supporting farmers to create thriving ecosystems through the production of sustainable sandalwood nut products.
The West Australian Sandalwood Nut Company shares this remarkable superfood, offering products that not only taste amazing, but they also support the planet and the farmers behind them.
The company was born out of a passion for sandalwood, replanting trees, and to share the best that nature has to offer. At the heart of it all is the incredible sandalwood nut, packed with healthy fats and bursting with nutrients.
"The Sandalwood nut is one of the only foods that can be produced from reforestation of natural habitat, which makes it a sustainable food source, plus I get a lot of enjoyment out of bringing a nutritional bush food to tables across Australia" Taryn said.
"I love talking to farmers about their plantations, they bring a space and an energy to a broad acre property that breaks the dry and barren paddocks. The days of farmers being seen as too alternative or even hippies for planting trees and caring for the environment are thankfully over, and they can see the long-term benefits to their farms and the greater environment by planting trees. I would like to see the same monetary value placed on trees and biodiversity as it is on arable land."
"I'm really proud of our product range so far, and that will continue to grow. I love getting out to events and markets to talk about sandalwood nuts, because people have generally not tried them before".
You can find events on the website, and orders can be placed on the website or drop us a message with any questions - www.thewestaustraliansandalwoodnutcompany.com.au
JOIN US WITH DALE TILBROOK AT THE
DOWERIN MACHINERY FIELD DAYS
27TH AND 28TH OF AUGUST
Join The West Australian Sandalwood Nut Company, along with Dale Tilbrook at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days and learn about as well as and sniff, touch and taste native Australian herbs, spices and peppers. Discover the uses of bushtucker plants, their medicinal properties and the surprising health benefits they offer. Dale Tilbrook’s Aboriginal Experiences will take you on a cultural journey that will ignite all the senses.
The West Australian Sandalwood Nut Company will be there with our full range of products and some great prices and package deals. We will also have our new burners and sandalwood shavings for sale. Dale will have a range of bush tucker products and plants available for purchase.
You can find us in the Euroz Hartleys Pavillion where Dale will be giving talks during the day.
