Potential of Himalayan Cedrus deodar essential oil

Essential oil is a nature's essence and among various aromatic & medicinal plants, Cedrus deodara belong to a prominent gymnosperm of Himalayan range enriched by various phytochemicals especially monoterpenes. On biological analysis the bark essential oil indicates the apoptotic effect against colon cancer cells through generating oxidative stress, triggered by reactive oxygen species overproduction as well as by down-regulating NFкB signaling pathway and induction of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and cleaved Caspase-3. Furthermore, isolated anti-fungal molecules showed anti-fungal property in synergistic manner against pathogenic fungal strain Curvularia lunata. Thus, present study indicates bark essential oil of Cedrus deodar holds therapeutic potential as natural agent against cancer and fungal infections.