# Devadaru > Devadaru (Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Pinaceae family. Described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and classical texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya). ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don - **Family:** Pinaceae - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and classical texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya). No WHO monograph available. Wood oil is commercially traded internationally. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Devadaru | | Latin/Botanical | *Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Himachalol (sesquiterpenoid) - Alpha-himachalene - Beta-himachalene - Gamma-himachalene - [Taxifolin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taxifolin) (dihydroquercetin) - Cedrusone A - Deodarin - Cedeodarin - Cedrin - Alpha-terpineol - [Limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene) - Isopimaric acid - Wikstromol (lignan) ## How does it work? - Spasmolytic activity of himachalol via non-specific smooth muscle relaxation similar to papaverine (calcium channel antagonism) - Anti-inflammatory action through flavonoid-mediated (taxifolin) inhibition of COX-2, LOX, and NF-kB signaling pathways - [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated reduction of oxidative stress in neuronal cells and modulation of neurotransmitter levels - [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity through essential oil [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic use validated in carrageenan-induced paw edema and Freund's adjuvant models - [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and antiurolithiatic effects confirmed in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis models in rats - Antifungal activity validated against Aspergillus fumigatus and dermatophyte species using essential oil - Respiratory ailment use supported by bronchodilatory and antiasthmatic activity in preclinical models ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Bisht A, Jain S, Misra A and others 2021. [Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don: A review of traditional use, phytochemical composition and pharmacology](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34166738/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [34166738](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34166738/) ยท [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114361](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114361) Confirmed taxifolin and deodarin as major bark [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; wood essential oil showed significant [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects. *2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.* ## Recent safety updates - Non-toxic and non-irritating to rabbit and sheep skin in dermal studies; no adverse effects on blood urea nitrogen or blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) levels at tested doses - Mode of action, efficacy, optimal dose range and long-term safety in humans require further investigation; essential oil should be used in diluted form to avoid skin sensitization ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Taxifolin - Limonene - Himachalol - Alpha-himachalene - Beta-himachalene - Gamma-himachalene - - Cedrusone A - Deodarin - Cedeodarin - Cedrin - Alpha-terpineol - - Isopimaric acid - Wikstromol **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Taila (medicated oil), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Dhupa (fumigation - traditional) **Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily; Taila for external application **Bioavailability:** Cedrus deodara heartwood contains sesquiterpenes (himachalenes) and terpenoids with moderate lipophilicity. Oral bioavailability of sesquiterpenes is moderate (15-30%) with hepatic first-pass metabolism. Taila preparations enhance absorption of lipophilic terpenoids through lymphatic uptake. Volatile oil components absorbed well from GI tract but rapidly metabolized. Enhancement: cyclodextrin complexation improves aqueous solubility of himachalenes; co-administration with [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) enhances absorption. **Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water for respiratory conditions; Taila application with gentle massage for joint disorders, preferably in the evening **Standardized Extract:** Essential oil: standardized to NLT 60% himachalol + himachalenes by GC-MS. Hydroalcoholic extract: NLT 3% total terpenoids. Extract ratio 6:1. **Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder in airtight container); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 3 years (essential oil in amber glass) **Storage:** Store in airtight, amber containers below 25 deg C. Essential oil: cool, dark place, nitrogen-blanketed to prevent oxidation. Powder: protect from moisture; heartwood powder is relatively stable but volatile components diminish over time. **Marker Compounds:** Alpha-himachalene, Beta-himachalene, Himachalol, Allohimachalol, Centdarol, Deodarone, Cedrin ### Extraction Methods - Steam distillation for essential oil (Devadaru Taila) - Aqueous decoction of heartwood - Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) - Supercritical CO2 extraction for terpenoid-rich extract - Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether for essential oil alternative ### Synergistic Combinations - With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic synergy - With [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) for Vata-Kapha joint disorders - With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila for external application in musculoskeletal pain - With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) for analgesic enhancement - With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory potentiation --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/devadaru/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.