Himalayan (Himachal region) cedar wood (Cedrus deodara: Pinaceae) essential oil, its processing, ingredients and uses: A review

Abstract

EO’s (Essential oils) are the complex mixtures of volatile compounds, synthesized as secondary metabolites from plant parts by steam/ Hydro distillation, solvent-less extraction and other physical means such as cold pressing. The demands of EO’s are increasing drastically in food and beverage; fragrances; cosmetics; flavoring agents in air fresheners and deodorizers; household and aromatherapy. Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) EO is one of the important oil, which has great pharmacological activities and demand in the market. C. Deodara EO has wide applications, mainly in antimicrobial, insecticidal, mollusicidal, germicidal, anti-tubercular activities in Pharmacology. C. Deodara oil has high demand in fragrance industries because of its specific characteristics. Himalayan C. Deodara consists of α-Himachalene, β-Himachalene, γ-Himachalene, α and γ atlantone as its major constituents. This paper presents the details of Cedrus deodara of Himachal (India) region, its production in small scale industries using steam/Hydro distillation, ingredient and uses. This article will facilitate the science students and small scale EO’s industries to improve their productivity with latest techniques.