Exploration of Phytochemistry and Ethnobotanical Uses of Cedrus deodara: A Review

Cedrus deodara is one of the most useful tree species. Almost every part of the plant has good properties. Cedrus deodara has been an important tree due to its Ethnobotanical uses, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. From last decade, there has been a great progress in the medicinal perspectives of Deodara. Deodara has its utility in folklore medicines. Phytochemistry studies showed the presence of various useful compounds in the Deodara tree. Also, the oil of Cedrus deodara has a characteristic fragrance. C. deodara is also having traditional and ethnobotanical uses. Since Vedic period, various parts of this plant are being used for medicinal purposes.It is also believed that various respiratory diseases can be just cured by just sitting under this tree. In present, Deodara is seen as an important tree in point of view of research. It has its applications in Timber too [1]. This paper is focussed on the traditional and medicinal aspects of Cedrus deodara.


INTRODUCTION
In developing countries, plant based natural resources are still important in traditional medicinal uses. Western countries are also showing interest towards herbal medicine as an alternative for drugs. In this context, Cedrus deodara beholds utmost significance [2,3].
Cedrus deodara belongs to family Pinaceae. The word 'Cedrus' is derived from a Greek name for the coniferous tree and the word 'Deodara' is taken from Sanskrit word Devadaru which means Timber of God. During ancient times, Deodar forests were best places to living for sages who were fully devoted to God Shiva. Cedrus deodara is distributed over the Mediterranean and Western Himalayas. In India, it is distributed from Kashmir to Garhwal [4][5][6][7]. Not only in India, but it has also been found in some high-altitude areas of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet and Nepal. Total area covered by Deodar Forest in India is 2,03,263 ha.
Deodara is an evergreen tree which extends up to 60m in height. Leaves of this tree are needle shaped and occur as tufts. Deodar consists of barrel shaped cones and seeds are triangular. This tree is of great ethnobotanical, traditional, phytochemistry and pharmacological value.
Wood of this tree contains sesquiterpene himachalol. This compound (himachalol) shows spasmolytic activity. Centradol is another compound found in the wood of this tree. Himaphenolone and atlantone-2, 3-diol etc. are the important chemical compounds found in Cedrus deodara. Both these compounds show strong antioxidant capacities [9].
Chemical compounds such as 10-nonacosanol, protocatechuic acid, ethyl laurate, ethyl stearate is extracted from the needles of the tree. Monoterpene hydrocarbons are found in majority in essential oil part of needles [10][11][12].

PHARAMCOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
Extract of stem bark shows various properties such as anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory etc.
Antihyperlipidemic activity is shown by the ethanolic, and acetone extracts of Cedrus deodara. This activity is shown in monosodium glutamate induced obesity in neonatal rats. Treatment of rats with ethanolic extract shows many satisfactory results. This treatment leads to decrease in their body weight, increase in locomotion activity [15].
Sesquiterpenes obtains from deodara shows anti-fungal properties. It was observed that these sesquiterpenes inhibits various species of Aspergillus.
Cedrus also shows various anti-bacterial properties. Extract obtained from tree shows antibacterial properties mainly against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis etc. Shikimic acid obtains from needles of plant also shows anti-bacterial activity mainly against S. aureus.
This tree also shows antihelmintic and larvicidal activities. Extracts obtained from this tree leads the paralysis of worms such as Pheretimaposthuma [16]. The essential oil obtained from Cedrus shows larvicidal activities [17]. Apart from these properties, compounds found in deodara also show important properties such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and antiapoptotic activities.

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES
Cedrus deodara is a very useful tree. This tree is having many important applications. People living in high-altitude regions are heavily dependent on this tree. Deodara is an important tree from the point of view of timber. People of Himalayan region utilise its timber in many purposes. Wood of deodara is used in construction of houses, furniture etc [18]. This tree is also having ethnomedicinal applications. Wood is used as diuretic, diaphoretic, carminative. It is used in the preparation of antiseptics such as V gel. It is used in the treatment of fever, diabetes, sinusitis etc. Deodara also shows diuretic properties. Resin of this tree contains many useful properties such as larvicidal activity [19][20][21]. People also use this tree for curing joint pain, insomnia, body ache. Tribal people also used the leaves of deodara extract massage [22,23].

TRADITIONAL USES
This plant is deeply linked with the culture and traditions of the people. And used by people in all daily purposes. In few parts of Himalayan region, the fumes of this plant are used as snake repellents. Bark powder is used in body ache [24][25][26]. From ancient times, the oil of this plant is used in skin itching. Cedrus deodara is used for the treatment of piles, bowel, plumbago, rheumatic arthritis and urticaria. This tree has also become an important plant in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, this plant possesses significant magical and important features like: Gunna (properties) -laghu (light) and snigdh (slimy), Rasa (taste)-tickt (bitter), Virya (potency)-ushan (hot). People since ancient times using this plant in various purposes. People see this tree as timber of God. They worship this tree. Hence deodara is of immense traditional importance. [27,28].

CONCLUSION
Devadaru is a common tree species in Western Himalayas. Currently world health organisation recognised 21000 plants as medicinal plants out of them 2500 plant species are found in India. That is why in this context India is also known as "botanical garden of the world" [29]. currently 80% of world population is dependent on plantbased healthcare [30]. In the higher altitude of Indian subcontinent, gymnosperms are of great importance for local people. In this context Devadaru becomes an important gymnosperm tree. Nowadays, traditional and herbal medicines are very famous because of their fewer side effects and low cost. Cedrus deodara has its applications in Ayurveda since ancient times. Hence this plant is of great herbal use. Plant is used by people for treating many diseases.
In present scenario, pharmacological studies of this plant contributed to the formation of number of drugs. Antioxidant nature of this plant shows its potential in medicinal purposes. Still various activities of this plant are needed to be explored further.

CONSENT
It is not applicable.

ETHICAL APPROVAL
It is not applicable.