From:  Cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus spp.): a forgotten pharmacological resource with emerging therapeutic potential

 Comparative phytochemical profiles of CWO from different species.

SpeciesCommon nameRegionDominant compoundsReferences
C. atlanticaAtlas cedarNorth AfricaCedrol, α-cedrene, himachalene[2, 16]
C. deodaraHimalayan cedarSouth AsiaCedrene isomers, himachalol[2]
J. virginianaEastern red cedarNorth AmericaCedrol, widdrol, thujopsene[6, 10, 11, 14]
J. ashei/J. mexicanaTexas cedarNorth AmericaThujopsene, cedrol, α-cedrene[5]
C. funebrisChinese cedarChinaCedrol, cuparene, himachalene[5]
C. lawsonianaPort Orford cedarNorth AmericaCedrol, widdrol, α-himachalene[5]
T. plicataWestern red cedar (not recommended)North AmericaThujone (neurotoxic), thujopsene, camphene[17]

Compound prevalence based on published GC-MS analyses; exact composition may vary due to geographical, seasonal, and methodological factors. While all listed species are sold as “cedarwood oils,” their chemical profiles and biological activities vary considerably. Oils from T. plicata contain high levels of thujone, a neurotoxic ketone, and should not be used in cosmetics or therapeutic applications [17]. CWO: cedarwood essential oil.