Chemical Characterization and Antidermatophytic Activity of Thuja orientalis Collected from Jaipur District, Rajasthan

Thuja orientalis commonly known as white cedar was collected from Rajasthan university campus, Jaipur District, Rajasthan, India. GC/GC-MS analysis of T. orientalis essential oil showed the presence of 38 compound for 100% of total oil. Delta-3-carene (30.37%) was the main component of thuja oil followed by alpha-pinene (13.11%), limonene (10.07%), alpha-terpinene (8.44%), alpha-terpinyl acetate (2.96%), transcaryophyllene (4.48%), alpha-humulene (3.98%), cedrol (5.65%), myrecene(5.88%), beta pinene (2.67%), sabinene(1.39%), germacrene D (1. 08%) and bornyl acetate (1.00%). In present investigation antidermatophytic activity of T. orientalis essential oil was also screened against selected dermatophytes and candida albicans through disc diffusion technique and minimum inhibitory concentration evaluating method. Maximum zone of inhibition 20± 0.29mm was reported against Trichophyton rubrum MTCC 296 (AI=0.67) followed by 14±1.00 mm against Trichophyton tonsurans MTCC 8475 (AI=0.7). MIC was ranging from 0.7 μl/ml to>2.5 μl/ml. Candida albicans (MTCC 3018) was found to be most resistant strain. Thuja essential oil exhibited excellent antifungal activity against all pathogen except C. albicans. These results suggest the potential therapeutically effect of T. orientalis essential oil against dermatophytic fungi.