α-Cedrene (Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbon · Anti-inflammatory · Insect Repellent · Cedar)
| Compound | α-Cedrene (and β-Cedrene) |
| Chemical class | Terpenoid — Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbon (Cedrane skeleton) |
| CAS | 469-61-4 (α); 546-28-1 (β) |
| Primary source | Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar / Deodar), Juniperus virginiana (Virginia cedar) |
| Key applications | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insect repellent, fragrance, wood preservative |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Cedar essential oil (cedrene 15–35%); Devdar extract (cedrene co-constituent) |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Devdar Extract Powder - Cedrus deodara → Devdar Oil Soluble Extract - Cedrus deodara → |
Name origin: From Cedrus (cedar genus). α-Cedrene is the primary sesquiterpene hydrocarbon of cedarwood essential oil, responsible for cedar’s characteristic woody, camphor-adjacent aroma. The cedrane tricyclic skeleton is distinct from other sesquiterpene classes. Traditional use: Cedar (Cedrus deodara, Devdar/Deodar in Hindi — literally “tree of the gods”) has extensive use in Ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions, respiratory complaints, urinary tract infections, arthritis, and as a fumigant/incense. Cedrus deodara bark oil has AYUSH-approved traditional use in India. Himalayan cedar heartwood has been used for furniture and construction throughout South Asian history, with the insect-repellent properties of cedrene contributing to preservation. Research trajectory: Cedrene has documented anti-inflammatory (NF-κB inhibition), antimicrobial, insect repellent, and antifungal properties in preclinical research. It is also studied for its weak oestrogenic / anti-androgenic activity relevant to skin and hair applications. Commercial source: Devdar Extract Powder and Devdar Oil Soluble Extract from Herbuno. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Cedrene Applications
Anti-inflammatory: α-Cedrene inhibits NF-κB, reduces COX-2 expression, and decreases TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophage models. In vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and other animal inflammatory models is documented. The cedrane hydrocarbon scaffold is lipophilic — strong membrane interaction contributes to anti-inflammatory effects. Claim strength: Moderate.
Insect repellent: Cedrene is a significant contributor to cedarwood oil’s well-documented insect-repellent activity against moths, mosquitoes, and other insects. The mechanism involves blocking insect olfactory receptors that detect plant host compounds. Cedar-lined chests for repelling moths are a 2,000-year-old commercial application of cedrene’s repellent activity. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antimicrobial and antifungal: Cedrene demonstrates activity against S. aureus, dermatophytes, and Candida species in vitro. Cedarwood oil has established traditional use as a wood preservative and antifungal agent. Claim strength: Moderate.
Hair and skin (weak oestrogenic / anti-androgenic): Cedrene has been identified as a weak ligand for the androgen receptor (AR) and oestrogen receptor (ER), with anti-androgenic effects at low concentrations in cell models. This has driven research into cedrene for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and scalp health applications, where anti-androgenic compounds reduce DHT-mediated hair follicle miniaturisation. Claim strength: Emerging.
Devdar Extract Powder - Cedrus deodara →
Devdar Oil Soluble Extract - Cedrus deodara →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
No established human supplement dose for isolated cedrene. For cedarwood oil topical applications (hair/scalp, skin): cedarwood oil (15–35% cedrene) at 2–5% in carrier oil or 0.5–2% in leave-on scalp formulations is the standard approach from haircare research. A Scottish RCT (Hay et al. 1998) used cedarwood oil (alongside lavender, thyme, rosemary) in a carrier oil blend for alopecia areata — showing significant improvement over placebo. For anti-inflammatory oral applications, devdar extract preparations at 100–400 mg/day are used in Ayurvedic contexts. Herbuno’s Devdar Extract Powder and Oil Soluble Extract should be characterised by GC for cedrene content alongside other cedrane sesquiterpenes.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cedrene
Is cedrene from Himalayan cedar the same as from Virginia/Texas cedarwood?
α-Cedrene is the same molecule regardless of cedar species. However, the cedarwood oils from different species have different overall sesquiterpene compositions: Cedrus deodara (Himalayan/Deodar) oil contains α-cedrene alongside himachalene and atlantone; Juniperus virginiana (Virginia cedarwood) oil contains α-cedrene alongside thujopsene and cedrene epoxide; Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar, Morocco) oil contains mostly atlantone with less cedrene. For cedrene-standardised applications, specify the botanical species and request GC sesquiterpene profile.
Why is cedar used to repel moths?
Cedar-lined drawers, chests, and closets have been used for centuries to protect wool and natural fibre textiles from moth larvae. Cedrene (and related sesquiterpenes cedrol and thujopsene) repels the adult moths and is toxic to moth larvae at higher concentrations. The repellent effect diminishes as the volatile sesquiterpenes evaporate from wood surfaces over years — the practical threshold is approximately 5–7 years for untreated cedar, which can be refreshed by light sanding to expose fresh wood.
Is cedrene relevant for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)?
Cedrene’s weak anti-androgenic activity (AR binding, DHT competition) has generated interest for hair loss supplement applications. The evidence base is currently preclinical and mechanistic — no human RCT has specifically studied isolated cedrene for androgenetic alopecia. The 1998 Scottish aromatherapy trial for alopecia areata used a multi-ingredient essential oil blend (not cedrene specifically) for an autoimmune condition rather than androgenetic alopecia. Anti-androgenic hair health positioning for cedrene is mechanistically plausible but premature.
Can cedarwood extract be used in a mosquito repellent product?
Yes — cedarwood oil (cedrene-containing) has documented mosquito repellent activity and GRAS status for relevant use. For natural insect repellent products, cedarwood oil at 5–10% in a carrier provides meaningful repellent activity with a pleasant woody aroma profile. The repellent duration is shorter than DEET but acceptable for low-exposure environments. Combine with geraniol, citronellol, or eucalyptus oil for enhanced spectrum and duration of repellency.
Related compounds: Patchouli Alcohol, Guaiol, Bisabolol, Valencene
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery