苏木（Caesalpinia sappan）是一种生长在东南亚的热带硬木树。苏木含有一种水溶性化合物，赋予其红色，被称为苏木红。苏木树被用于制作纺织品染料和食品、饮料（如葡萄酒和肉类）的着色剂。作为一种有价值的草药植物，苏木树还以其抗氧化、抗炎和抗癌的特性而闻名。研究表明，苏木含有多种生物活性化合物，包括苏木红、红木素、苏木蝶酮和原苏木素A等。同时，这些物质还具有多种健康优势，可以降低炎症、促进血液循环，并具有抗氧化性质。苏木被用作药物治疗多种疾病，如胃肠问题、呼吸道感染和皮肤病。研究还表明，苏木可能具有抗癌潜力，因为具有对癌细胞细胞毒活性。基于此，本综述强调了苏木的不同药用特性、植物化学物质的作用、其健康益处以及苏木在食品和非食品应用方面的几个方面。总体而言，苏木展示了有希望的药用特性，是传统医学中的重要资源。本综述探讨了苏木作为药物开发中活性化合物的重要来源的潜在作用。

Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) is a tropical hardwood tree found in Southeast Asia. Sappan wood contains a water-soluble compound, which imparts a red color named brazilin. Sappan wood is utilized to produce dye for fabric and coloring agents for food and beverages, such as wine and meat. As a valuable medicinal plant, the tree is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been observed that sappan wood contains various bioactive compounds, including brazilin, brazilein, sappan chalcone, and protosappanin A. It has also been discovered that these substances have various health advantages; they lower inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and are anti-oxidative in nature. Sappan wood has been used as a medicine to address a range of illnesses, such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Studies have also suggested that sappan wood may have anticarcinogenic potential as it possesses cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Based on this, the present review emphasized the different medicinal properties, the role of phytochemicals, their health benefits, and several food and nonfood applications of sappan wood. Overall, sappan wood has demonstrated promising medicinal properties and is an important resource in traditional medicine. The present review has explored the potential role of sappan wood as an essential source of bioactive compounds for drug development.