PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF JUNIPERUS OXYCEDRUS- A REVIEW

Juniperus oxycedrus contained flavonoids, flavones, terpenoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, volatile oil, resin, tannin and extractive [acetic acid, pyroligneous acid, acetone, methyl alcohol, etc.]. Cade oil contains phenols -17 to 26% phenols-[mainly guaiacol about 12%], cadinene [sesquiterpenoid], carburs and alcohol [cardinol]. The principle component of Juniperus oxycedrus Tar was cadinene, a sesquiterpene. The pharmacological investigations revealed that the plant possessed antimicrobial, hypotensive, cytotoxic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic,analgesic, antiinflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant effects. The current review discussed the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Juniperus oxycedrus. Keywords: chemical constituents, pharmacology, Juniperus oxycedrus