A Comprehensive Review on the Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Pogostemon cablin Benth.: An Aromatic Medicinal Plant of Industrial Importance.

Mallappa Kumara Swamy,Uma Rani Sinniah

doi:10.3390/molecules20058521

Mallappa Kumara Swamy, Uma Rani Sinniah

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules20058521

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Journal: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)	Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Citations: 247	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

Pogostemon cablin Benth. (patchouli) is an important herb which possesses many therapeutic properties and is widely used in the fragrance industries. In traditional medicinal practices, it is used to treat colds, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insect and snake bites. In aromatherapy, patchouli oil is used to relieve depression, stress, calm nerves, control appetite and to improve sexual interest. Till now more than 140 compounds, including terpenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, organic acids, lignins, alkaloids, glycosides, alcohols, aldehydes have been isolated and identified from patchouli. The main phytochemical compounds are patchouli alcohol, α-patchoulene, β-patchoulene, α-bulnesene, seychellene, norpatchoulenol, pogostone, eugenol and pogostol. Modern studies have revealed several biological activities such as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antimutagenic, antiemetic, fibrinolytic and cytotoxic activities. However, some of the traditional uses need to be verified and may require standardizing and authenticating the bioactivity of purified compounds through scientific methods. The aim of the present review is to provide comprehensive knowledge on the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of essential oil and different plant extracts of patchouli based on the available scientific literature. This information will provide a potential guide in exploring the use of main active compounds of patchouli in various medical fields.

Highlights

A major segment of the flora includes medicinal and aromatic plants which are the source of raw materials used in the pharmaceutical, fragrance, cosmetic, flavor and perfumery industries
Among all the essential oil yielding plants, patchouli is considered to have tremendous business potential in the global market because of its unique flavor and fragrance properties, and biological activities [9,10,11]. Though it is not a dominant source of fragrance, its ability to blend with other essential oils gives a strong base, lasting character, fixative properties and aids in preventing evaporation promoting tenacity
Patchouli oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve depression, stress, calm nerves, control appetite and to improve sexual interest

Summary

Introduction

A major segment of the flora includes medicinal and aromatic plants which are the source of raw materials used in the pharmaceutical, fragrance, cosmetic, flavor and perfumery industries. Patchouli plant is a component of the traditional Chinese medicine, Pogostemoni Herba which is widely used in the cosmetic and hygiene industries. Chinese traditional formulae, such as Baoji Pill and Houdan Pill containing patchouli herb are used in treating inflammatory diseases [6,7]. The commercial importance of patchouli is due to its oil, which can be obtained by steam distillation of the shade dried leaves It possesses a powerful sweet, herbaceous aromatic, spicy fragrance. Among all the essential oil yielding plants, patchouli is considered to have tremendous business potential in the global market because of its unique flavor and fragrance properties, and biological activities [9,10,11]. Some of its other biological activities include antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antimutagenic, antiemetic, fibrinolytic and cytotoxic activities [13,16,17]

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