Ghandi Root 

Ghandi Root (Homalomena aromatica), an evergreen perennial, belongs to the Family Araceae, which is the most diverse plant family in the New World Tropics! This essential oil-bearing plant’s native range occupies the tropical and subtropical forests from Assam to China, and is identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves and orange yellow berries (Kew RBC, 2020) (Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Ghandi Root (Homalomena aromatica)

Traditional medicine

This plant’s rhizome (a modified plant stem below the ground) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for over 3000 years to treat a range of conditions based on its reported analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, and antifungal properties (Policegoudra et al., 2012; Rhind, 2019). 

Essential oil components and therapeutic benefits

The source of Ghandi Root steam-distilled essential oil is also the rhizome, so its use in traditional medicine may overlap with its use...

Cedrol

Cedrol is a tricyclic sesquiterpene alcohol commonly occurring in the essential oils of conifer trees, especially those belonging to the Cupressus and Juniperus genera. It occurs in essential oil of Juniperus virginiana (Virginian, red or Eastern red cedarwood) (Figure 1) at proportions of approximately 24-32% (ter Heide et al, 1988; Kitchens et al, 1971). The compound presents minimal risk in terms of skin irritancy, allergenicity and toxicity (Tisserand & Young, 2014).

     Figure 1. Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

Cedrol has exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast, and cytotoxic activity against human lung, liver and oral cancer cells (Su et al, 2012). The compound was also shown to contribute to the potentially beneficial effects of the methanol extract of Juniperus chinenesis on Alzheimer’s disease, specifically through inhibiting the enzymes...