Germacrene-D

Posted on September 23, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Germacrene D is a major constituent present in the essential oil of Clary sage, Ylang Ylang, Tulsi (Holy basil), Juniperus Communis L, Red deadnettle, Clausena anisata, fresh Michelia Alba flowers and leaves of Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa.

It is also found in Cananga oil, Palo Santo oil extracted from Palo santo (Bursera graveolens), Mastic essential oil from the Mastic tree (Pistacia lentisus), Ravensera oil from Ravensera aromatica, etc.

Germacrene-D is an organic compound belonging to the class sesquiterpenoid germacrane. The sesquiterpene hydrocarbon Germacrene has five isomers- Germacrene-A, B, C, D and E.

It is also considered to be one of the most important molecules of Germacrene. The molecular formula of Germacrene-D is C₁₅H₂₄. It is also known with other alternative names like d-germacrene, (+-) – Germacrene D and so on.

Therapeutic attributes of Germacrene D:

The most significant remedial properties of Germacrene D are:

Antibacterial property:

Germacrene D possesses antibacterial property. In the study ‘Biological activities of the essential oils and methanol extract of Origanum vulgaressp.Vulgarein the Eastern Anatolia regionof Turkey’, it was stated that germacrene D and caryophyllene found in the species Origanum vulgare have significant antibacterial and antifungal activities.

According to the study “Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. Leaves from South Africa” Germacrene D and (E)- beta-Ocimene which are the main constituents of the essential oil of Cosmos bipinnatus contribute to the significant antibacterial activity of the oil against both gram-positive and gram negative bacteria.

Cytotoxicity:

In the study ‘Essential oil constituents, anticancer and antimicrobial activity of Ficus mucoso and Casuarina equisetifolia leaves’ it was stated that Germacrene D showed cytotoxic effect against Hs578T cells and PC-3 cell lines.

A study titled “Chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Casearia lasiophylla” was conducted to examine the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of the essential oil from the leaves of Casearia lasiophylla.

It was found that the essential oil exhibited highest antiproliferative effect against melanoma and leukemia human cancer cells. It was found that Germacrene D and caryophyllene, which are the major constituents of the essential is responsible for the cytotoxicity of the oil.

Olfactory receptor neuron activation in Heliothine moths:

According to the study “The Plant Sesquiterpene Germacrene D Specifically Activates a Major Type of Antennal Receptor Neuron of the Tobacco Budworm Moth Heliothis virescens” , it was found that there is a plant odour receptor neuron type present in the antenna of female Heliothine moths and this receptor neuron type respond to the germacrene D with high sensitivity and selectivity.

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Cedrene

Posted on September 23, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Being a sesquiterpene, Cedrene is a highly fragranced constituent that is extracted from the essential oils of Cedar. It is a polymeric terpene with the molecular formula C₁₅H₂₄. It is also identified by various names such as cedr-8-ene, di-epi-alpha cedrene and alpha-funerbene.

Attributes of Cedrene:

It is a light yellowish transparent oil with Cedar woody smell. It falls under the category of fragrance agents and is predominantly used in perfumery.

Therapeutic attributes of Cedrene:

Cedrene possess antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer properties.

Anticancer properties:

Cedrene exhibit anticancer activities. According to a study titled, ‘The selective cytotoxic anti-cancer properties and proteomic analysis of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum’, it was established that fenugreek contain several compounds such as gingerol, zingerone, vanillin, eugenol and Cedrene with anticancer properties and so it exhibit anticancer activities against a group of cancerous cells that included T-cell lymphoma.

According to a study named ‘Trypanocidal and anti-leukemic effects of the essential oils of Hagenia abyssinica, Leonotis ocymifolia, Moringa stenopetala, and their main individual constituents’, it is stated that cedrene exhibited powerful trypanocidal activities when the essential oils and their individual components are studied for their structure and activity relationships between trypanosomes and human leukemia cells.

Antiseptic property:

It is stated in ‘The Indian Oil and Soap Journal, Volume 30, Issue 5-Page No-134’ that Cedrene present in J,macropoda and J.communis possess mild antiseptic properties.

Anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties:

In the research article,’Fungicidal activities of certain methanolic plant extracts against tomato phytopathogenic fungi’, it has been stated that Cedrene present in Z.officinale plays a vital role in inhibiting the growth of phytopathogenic fungi and it is determined as one of the most effective anti-microbial agent in Z.officinale extract. Thus, Cedrene possess anti-fungal and anti-microbial activities.

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Ayurvedic Essential Oils To Freeze Up Your Heat This Summer

Posted on September 22, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Hmmm…… Summer has knocked your door and no ways to escape it as its nature’s rule to pass on both the extremes. I have a medley of feelings especially during this bright summer season and had a sizzling conversation this morning while the day woke me up with the mighty hands spread ‘SUN’. Wanna listen to what I heard today? Fine then end your curiosity here.

Sun: Hey buddy! Wake up I’ve come and I’m waiting to drain you with my heat rays……..

Me: No you can’t….. I’m no more the ordinary chum to get exhausted by you..!!..

Sun: Ouch!!! Poor thing… Are you dreaming to escape behind your Air Conditioners and rest often in your favorite Ice Cream Parlors? If it’s so…. Then listen, your lip smacking ice creams and cooling A/Cs spreads adverse effects than you might think and can harm you rigorously during my ruin (Summer Season)… Ha! Ha! Ha! Am I right my pal???

Me: No you’re not…. You are thinking about the temporary regimens and I’m talking about the enduring, natural, everlasting and completely safe ways of saving my head from your control.

Sun: Think you’ve gone mad in the morning!!! Nothing can shield you from my assail…

Me: Please stop your envious goofs… I’m talking about the Ayurvedic essential oils that can keep me cool from within all throughout the frustrating summer season.

Sun: To itself (Think I’ve knocked the wrong door.. He looks stronger with nature…Let’s flee)

Yes!!! My dear readers, you’ll never believe if I say that the Ayurvedic essential oils can freeze up your heat this summer without any kind of second opinion. Let’s have a look at the most effective essential oils that ‘Mother Nature’ has gifted us to fight against its conflicting counterparts.

Ayurvedic essential oils to resist the burning heat: Using cooling essential oils during this summer season is the best way to keep you away from the summer turmoil and help you enjoy the fullest fun that this season can aid you with. Ayurvedic essential oils that belong to the citrus, mint and other flower-patterned families are really great to partner you and balance your body. You can either gently massage your body or add few drops to your bathing tub to enrich your day with fresh, aromatic, cool and refreshing effects. Few such gracious essential oils are:

Lavender essential oil: As the sweetness in its name indicates, the essential oil of lavender is skin-friendly and seals your summer worries with its antidepressant, analgesic, deodorant, carminative, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-convulsive and immune stimulant properties to regenerate your cells and restore the excess energy lost.

Peppermint essential oil: The fresh, cool and minty aroma of this oil is more than enough to calm your nerves and revive your senses with its vermifuge, analgesic, digestive, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and nervine properties.

Rosemary essential oil: With an exemplary meaning of ‘Dew of the Sea’, Rosemary is an uplifting herb and is the essential oil extracted from this mystical plant. This oil is exceedingly effective for treating hair and scalp problems. Frequent mood swings, stress, depression, hair fall, dull hair, rough hair, seborrhea, dandruff and few other hair related complexities that anguish you during the scorching summer season can be simply and superbly taken care of with Rosemary essential oil.

The essential oils of Cypress, Juniper Berry, Clove, Chamomile, Tea Tree, Lemon, Fennel, Bergamot, Dill, Basil, Eucalyptus and Spearmint along with the above mentioned essential oils can attend to your summer health needs efficaciously.

Ayurvedic essential oils can grace your summer with their incredible presence and pull the plug that your other contemporary or chemical remedies might fail to do.

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