Abstract:
The chemical composition of the steam volatile oils obtained from stem-bark and stem wood of Cedrus deodara has been studied using chromatographic methods. Their physical constants have been measured and they have been characterised by the study of their u.v, i.r., n.m.r., mass spectra. Complete structure has been assigned to one of these compounds. It has been named as a mixed anhydride, 2-nonenoic heptadecanaic anhydride. The structure of two more compounds is being studied and will be published very soon.
Pharmacological studies of the steam volatile oils have also been carried out. The oils have been found to possess antibacterial activity. The oils inhibit the growth of E-coli and Enterobacter which are known to be almost universal inhabitants of the intestinal tract of man and warm blooded animals. These bacteria cause diarrhoea dysentery and infection of the blood system (bacteraemia). The oils were found to be inactive against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Termite repellent properly of the oils has also been demonstrated by performing experiments on different species of termites. The oils can find a very good use for the processing of ordinary inexpensive wood to be safe from termites, as the oils can be obtained from the bark of the trees used for timber. The bark is a waste material while the wood is used for the building materials and furniture. Oils from this bark will have only expenses of transport and extraction. Steam distillation of the powdered bark provides the cheapest method for extraction of oils.
