A Review on Pogostemon patchouli

 

Priya Dongare*, Swati Dhande, Dr. Vilasrao Kadam

Department of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Pharmacy, Sector-8, C.B.D., Belapur,  Navi Mumbai- 400614, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: priyadongare91@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Pogostemon patchouli, an aromatic plant, commonly known as “Patchouli” is a member of mint family, Lamiaceae used worldwide for its essential oil. It has got commercial importance and in Ayurvedic system of medicine this plant is commonly used in digestive conditions, nervous and skin disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown presence of many valuable compounds such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids which are responsible for wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, platelet activation inhibitory, antidepressant, anti-influenza, sedative, tonic, cytotoxic and insect repellant properties. Thus present review explores the ethanomedicinal, pharmacological or traditional knowledge along with morphological phytochemical and toxicological reports of Pogostemon patchouli and aims at gathering the research work undertaken till date on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and commercial exploitation.

 

KEYWORDS: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Lamiaceae, Patchouli essential oil, Pogostemon patchouli

 

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Pogostemon patchouli (Blanco) Benth. grows to heights of over two to three feet and is bushy in appearance. The name derived from the Tamil word “patchai” meaning 'green leaf'. The patchouli essential oil is obtained mainly from distillation of leaves which has been used in perfumes and fragrances since the earliest times. Traditionally it is used as an insect repellant for shipping fabric.

 

In Asian countries, such as Japan and China, this herb has been used traditionally as an energizer, tonic, febrifuge (a medication used to dispel fevers), antiseptic and insecticide for long. Pharmacological activities of this oil have been demonstrated repeatedly in modern research, including its antiemetic,[1, 2] antibacterial and antifungal activities.[3-5] Another major use of the herb, especially in the East, is its exploitation for manufacturing perfumes due to its strong fixative properties as well as aromatic incense and scented industrial products. The oil is used in scenting of soaps, cosmetics, after-shave lotions, detergents and many fancy products. In very low concentration (2 ppm), the oil is used to flavor foods, beverages, candy and baked products.

 

Plant specifically consists of sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds that are mainly responsible for its medicinal activity. Patchouli alcohol (PA), a tricyclic sesquiterpene, is the major chemical constituent and is primarily responsible for the intensive odor of essential oil.[6] In recent years, PA has been widely studied as a cognition enhancer, learning impairment attenuating and neuroprotective agent.[7, 8] In addition Patchouli oil has a variety of pharmacological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory,[9-12] antiemetic, antiallergic,[13] immunomodulatory[14] and antimicrobial actions,[15] anti-IFV,[16] and radical-scavenging.[17]

 

The plant has an economic importance and is needed to be studied for different medicinal properties such as organ protective action, major diseases related to inflammation or nervous disorders. So the plant can be evaluated based on its phytochemical profile to support its traditional use in Ayurvedic system of medicine.

 

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:

Patchouli oil from Pogostemon patchouli (PP) is a unique essential oil from India, where it is known as puchaput. It was popular due to its musky, earthy fragrance during the 1800's in Europe, and again during the 1960's in the U.S. In Victorian England, people would buy imported Indian cashmere shawls only if they smelled like patchouli. Its scent proved the shawls had been protected from moths during shipment.

The patchouli leaves have been used by the Chinese silk merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries to protect their merchandise from decay. These Chinese traders used to place the patchouli leaves between the bundles of silk with a view to protect them from damage by eggs laid by moths on the fabric. Quite a few historians guess that patchouli’s association with luxurious merchandise from the East prompted many Europeans of that period to believe that the scent prepared from the herb was a very lavish item. According to a number of accounts regarding the British royalty, patchouli was made use of in this manner in the linen chests of Queen Victoria.

 

Botanical description and vernacular names

Synonyms:

Betonica officinalis, Mentha Cablin, Pogostemon mollis, Pogostemon patchouli, Pogostemon napetoids, Pogostemon battakianus, Pogostemon patchouly, Pogostemon comosus, Pogostemon javanicus

 

Vernacular names of Pogostemon patchouli are listed in    Table 1.

Table 1: vernacular names of Pogostemon patchouli

India

Pachi (Sanskrit), Pachouli (Hindi), Pachapat, Patchouli (Bengali), Pachila, Kattam (Malyalam), Pachetene (Kannada), Pacha, Sugandhi Pandi (Gujarati), Panch (Marathi)

Malaysia

Dhulam Wangi, Tilam Wangi,Nilam

English

Patchouli

Indonesia

Nilam Wangi,Nilam,Singalon

Thailand

Phimsen

Philipines

Kablin

China

Guang Huo Xiang

Korea

Hyangdulkkaephul

French

Patchouli

Spanich

Pachuli

 

PP is delightfully aromatic herb with erect stems forming square growing up to 1-1.5 meter high, which mature into round, woody, brown branches.

 

Leaf Morphology:

 It’s an evergreen perennial bush with large green decussate, approximately 10 cm long and 2 cm broad, ovate and stalked leaves. The leaf margins are slightly lobed and lobs have crenate-serrate teeth. The lobes and apex of the leaves are obtuse. On the undersurface of the leaves along with the ribs there are numerous Trichomes. These trichomes on the epidermis of leaves are the main accumulation sites of essential oil. Fresh leaves have very little of the patchouli scent, which only develops after fermentation. The picture of herb is given figure 1. Freshly cut leaves contain 0.25 – 0.75% oil, varying with local cultivars, age and stem position. Leaves are normally dried before distilling and lose 80 – 85% moisture, while naturally dried leaves yield 1.8 – 2.5% oil when distilled by small producers, but to 5% in modern plants.[18]

 

Figure 1. Photograph of Pogostemon patchouli

 

Floral morphology of PP under stereoscope:

Flowers in verticillasters, in terminal unbranched spikes, Calyx tubular, 6-8 mm long, glabrous inside, densely villous outside, Corolla 8-13 mm long, upper lip 3-lobed, 2 mm long, purple and white at margin, lower lip entire, 1.5 mm long, white; tube white outside; puberulous. Stamens 4, exserted, white; filaments 6-10 mm long, pale purple upside, white downside, adnate at different heights at the middle of corolla tube, glabrous at middle, puberulous at base. Pistil 12 mm long, pale purple upside, white downside; styles exserted, glabrous, white; stigma bifid or trilobated, 2 mm long. As the flowers fade, the fine, brown seeds form in small capsules that look like tiny knots on the spike.[19]

 

The roots are extensive, branching and, in mature plants which are allowed to grow unchecked, penetrating to some depth. Leaves, flowers and seeds freely give off their aroma.

 

Leaf Microscopy:

The internal secretory structures responsible for the production of the essential oils were investigated to determine their position in the lamina, margin, and also in the petioles. Low-power microscopic examination showed that there are approximately ten times more glandular trichomes on the leaf lamina than on the petiole; the abaxial epidermis of the leaf has twice as many as the adaxial epidermis. Although most densely distributed along the veins, the glandular trichomes are present over the whole leaf surface with decreasing frequency towards the leaf edges.[20]

 

 

 


Table 2: Phytoconstituents from Pogostemon patchouli [32.33]

Secondary metabolites

Chemical constituents

Activities of secondary metabolite

Sesquiterpenes

 

 

 

Patchouli alcohol, cycloseychellene, pogostol, norpatchoulenol, cadinene, α-patchoulene, β-patchoulene, seychellene α-bulnsene, α-guaiene, β -elemene, α- humulene, caryophyllene

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, cicatrisant, cooling, grounding, sedative (low dose)

Sesquiterpene alkaloids

Patchouli-pyridine, epiguaipyridine, guaipyridene

--

Oxygenated sesquiterpenes

1α, 5α-epoxy-α-guaiene, 1,10-epoxy-alphabulnesene, epoxycaryophyllene

--

Phenolic compounds, Flavonoids, flavonoid glucosides

Eugenol, rhamnetin, apigenin,, Lichochalcone A, ombuine, pachypodol, kumatakenin, 7, 4’-di-o-methyleriodictyol, 7, 3’, 4’-tri- o-methyleriodictyol, 3, 7, 4’-tri-o-methylkaemferol,

Antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic

 

 

 


General habitat and distribution

The family Lamiaceae (Synonym. Labiateae) to which the genus Pogostemon belongs, is one of the ten largest families of flowering plants, comprising 9 subfamilies, 200 genera and about 3200 species. The 40 species of the genus Pogostemon are mainly native to South East Asia bordering on China, with 20 also occurring in India.[18] The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, and is now extensively cultivated in China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as West Africa, but only India, Brazil, Taiwan and Seychelles established commercial oil production.[21]

 

Phytochemical studies

A number of investigations have been carried out on the composition of the essential oil of PP and the presence of some sesquiterpenoids has been reported.[23-26] Patchouli oil is unique because it consists of over 24 different sesquiterpenes, rather than a blend of different mono-, sesqui- and di-terpene compounds.[27-29] Sesquiterpenoids frequently occur as components of plant essential oils and have been shown to have various biological activities. Also, several flavonoids and alkaloids have been isolated and identified from PP.[30] PP contains cytotoxic chalcon and anti-mutagenic flavones.[31] Phytoconstituents from PP are enlisted in Table 2.

 

Ethanomedicinal uses

PP is used by traditional physicians in treating the common cold, nausea and diarrhea and is applied topically to treat headaches and fever.[34] Its therapeutic functions in Chinese medicine are to remove dampness, relieve summer heat and exterior syndrome, stop vomiting and stimulate appetite.[35] Patchouli has also been used traditionally for intestinal disorders.[36]

 

In several Asian nations, Patchouli is added in herbal medications having a status of an antidepressant, aphrodisiac and antiseptic. The essential oil obtained from patchouli is utilized in aromatherapy for healing skin disorders. It is commonly believed that patchouli possesses a recovering or renewing impact on the quality of the skin and aids in dispelling skin conditions like eczema and acne. Some herbalists also recommend the essential oil for treating medical conditions, such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

 

According to traditional medicine, the herb and the essential oil obtained from it possess numerous benefits for the health; the aroma of the flowers is made use of to encourage relaxation. In the East Asian nations, patchouli forms a significant element in production of aromatic incense sticks. In addition, manufacturers of air fresheners, laundry detergents, paper towels and other similar products use the aroma of the plant to add fragrance to their products. Chemical analysis of the essential oil obtained from patchouli has revealed that it contains two significant elements nor-patchoulenol and patchoulol. It has been extensively used in cosmetic and oral hygiene industries to scent perfumes and flavor toothpaste.

 

PP is one of the widely used traditional Chinese medicines; it has a selective prohibition effect on dermatophytes and a strong prohibitory effect on Crytococus neoformans, Chaetomium globosum, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, indicating the promise to cure the pneumonia and the chronic meningitis caused by intercurrent infections of these funguses within 8–30% AIDS patients.[37-40]

 

PP has been used as a traditional medicine in India for over 20 centuries, the leaves and roots are used as antistress, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, diuretic, fungicide, insecticide and sedative. The plant was found to have protective effect on MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine) induced neurotoxicity and ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging potential in oxidant-induced cell death of human neuroglioma cells.[17]

 

In Urguary, infusion of leaves is used for nervous troubles and roots are considered stimulant.

 

Crushed leaves are applied for Arthritis and rheumatism. Leaves and tops employed in baths; used for antirheumatic action. Infusion of fresh leaves is given for dysmenorrhea; also as emmenagogue. In India, Infusion of leaves dried flowering tops or roots are used as diuretic and carminative, it is used along with Ocimum sanctum for scanty urination and biliousness.

 

In Malaysia and Japan, it is used as antidote for venomous snake and insect bites.[41]

 

 

Apart from its use in perfume manufacturing and cosmetics industry, the patchouli is known to have a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland and the nervous system. Patchouli helps treat anxiety, nervous disorders and other stress-related conditions. It has been observed that the use of this essential oil helps uplift the mood and reduces stress. It is even now popular oil in aromatherapy. Using this oil in the diffuser helps create an atmosphere that is relaxing and free from stressful vibes. Patchouli helps in reducing inflammation or fever which makes it a very effective antiphlogistic. When used externally, it can help treat wounds and infection. It also helps in stopping the wounds from turning septic. Patchouli essential oil enhances muscle, skin and nerve contractions. This improves the gum hold on teeth, reduces hair fall, decreases muscle looseness and stops skin for sagging. The astringent in this herbal oil reduces bleeding by increasing blood vessel contraction.[42]

 

Patchouli essential oil has spicy and musky fragrance that helps in keeping body odor at bay. It is diuretic increasing the frequency of urination and help in moving fluids faster from the body while taking toxins along with it. The diuretic properties of patchouli improves the health by lowering the blood pressure, improving appetite, reducing cholesterol level as well as expulsion of toxins from the body. It is also good for treating bad breath and halitosis thus added to mouthwash or gargling solutions for a fresher breath.[43]

 

People from older times knew about the insecticidal use of patchouli essential oil. Although it has a sweet aroma, it also helps keep insects and mosquitoes away. It is used in many mosquito repellent sprays, lotions and fumigants. Some people add few drops of patchouli essential oil in the water used to wash clothes to kill any germs in it. Dried leaves of patchouli plant are also kept with woolen clothes to keep it safe from pests.

 

Analytical techniques

With the advantages of high performance, sensitivity, and stability, Gas chromatography is the first choice to identify the medicinal materials that are rich in volatile oil substances.[44,45] Chinese herbal medicine is gaining increasing popularity worldwide for health promotion and adjuvant therapy. Thus, selective and efficient analytical methods are required not only for quality assurance but also for authentication of the plant material. In china PA is used as a chemical marker required by law for the quality control of PP and patchouli oil (PO).[34]Quantitative analysis of herb was done by two-dimensional (2D) GC–MS with time of flight (TOF) analyzer.[36]

 

Pharmacological activities

ROS scavenger activity (Antioxidant activity):

A study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of PP, a well-known herb in Korean traditional medicine, on ROS-induced brain cell injury. Result concluded that PP effectively protected human neuroglioma cell line A172 against both the necrotic and apoptotic cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It significantly prevented depletion of cellular ATP and activation of poly ADP-ribose polymerase induced by H2O2. The preservation of functional integrity of mitochondria was also confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl- 2-thiazyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Furthermore, PP significantly prevented H2O2 induced release of cytochrome C into cytosol.[46, 17]

 

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities:

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of PPMeOH (Pogostemon patchouli methanol extract) were evaluated using acetic acid -induced writhing response, formalin test and Carrageenan-induced mice paw edema. Experimental results indicated two possible mechanisms associated with anti-inflammatory effect. One is reducing the amount of AA (arachidonic acid) transformed to PGs (prostaglandins) by suppressing protein and mRNA expression of some inflammatory mediators including TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, IL (interleukin)-1β, iNOS ( inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX (cyclooxygenase)-2 thus PGE2 (prostaglandin E2). The other is cleaning away free radicals by increasing the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, such as SOD (superoxide dismutase), GRx (glutathione reductase), and GPx (glutathione peroxidase).[9-12] The exact mechanism by which it exerts analgesic effect was related to its anti-inflammatory effect and this serves as a possible rationale for use of PP in traditional medicine for inflammation.

 

Antiemetic activity:

PP is one of the traditional Chinese medicines used mainly for the treatment of dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea and poor appetite. In a study, n-hexane extract of PP was examined for antiemetic activity induced by copper sulphate (CuSO4) in young chicks and it showed the highest antiemetic activity (58.6%) as compared to chloroform, methanol and water extract, where PA contained abundantly in PP (> 0.1 %) may play a main role in antiemetic effect clinically in view of its traditional use in Chinese medicine. . It is known that inward Ca2+ influxes through the cell membranes may induce excessive excitation of smooth muscles, and excessive contraction of digestive organ muscles may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, the Ca2+ antagonist is expected to alleviate those symptoms by depressing excessive contraction of digestive organ muscles. It has been reported that PA showed Ca2+ antagonist activity in vitro. These results indicate that the antiemetic activity of PA may be due to depressing excessive contraction of digestive organ muscles by inhibition of inward Ca2+ influx through the cell membranes. In addition to it pogostol, stigmast-4en-3-one, retusin and pachypodol previously isolated from the n-hexane extract also showed antiemetic activity.[1]

 

Platelet inhibition activity:

α-Bulnesene is a sesquiterpenoid isolated from PP, was found to be a novel PAF (platelet activating factor) antagonist. The activity is evaluated by performing [3H] PAF receptor binding assay, measurement of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and TXB2 (thrmoboxen B2), PGE2 assay. Experiment concluded that, α-bulnesene competitively inhibits the specific binding of PAF to its receptor, thus inhibiting intracellular Ca2+ increase. In addition, α -bulnesene also possessed an additional inhibitory effect on AA-induced secondary platelet aggregation and TXA2 formation because the chemical is able to inhibit COX activity. These results indicated that the natural sesquiterpenoid α-bulnesene has a dual mechanism whereby it acts on platelet aggregation through PAF competitive inhibition and also through inhibition of COX activity. [22]

 

Antimicrobial activity:

One of the studies concluded that, TLC profiling of ethanol extract of PP with different solvent (ethanol, chloroform, ether) showed presence of terpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids and was found to inhibit four bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Erwinia sp., Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and two fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum effectively.[4]

 

In another study, bactericidal activity was evaluated using four bacterial strains, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica obtained from food and clinical sources. Patchouli oil was most effective against C. jejuni and L. monocytogenes.[5]

 

Anti-IFV (anti-influenza virus) activity:

PA isolated from PP was found to have in vivo anti-influenza H1N1 (A/FM/1/47) activity by using two experimental mouse models, one with lethal infection and another with nonlethal infection. To evaluate the in vivo anti-IFV actions of PA and their associated mechanisms, the survival rate and survival time of animals after lethal infection, and the IFV quantity in lungs, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell levels in the blood, anti-IFV antibody levels, cytokines in serum and lung, and the histopathology of lungs in the animals after nonlethal infection were determined.

 

In a mouse model infected with lethal levels of FM1, oral administration of PA (20 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg) for 7 days post IFV infection significantly increased the survival rate and survival time. For IFV infection at nonlethal levels, the quantity of IFV in the lungs 5 days after infection was significantly reduced after PA (20 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg) administration. Anti-IFV IgA, IgM, and IgG titers in serum on day 6 were significantly higher in the PA-treated group than the IFV-control group. Anti-IFV immune response augmentation was further confirmed by the elevated production of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell levels in blood. Furthermore, the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF- α, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in serum of mice, were regulated. Lung inflammation was reduced significantly after PA administration, and the effect may be mediated, at least in part, by regulating the lung levels of inflammatory cytokines.[47, 34] Thus, oral administration of PA appears to be able to augment protection against IFV infection in mice via enhancement of host immune responses, and attenuation of systemic and pulmonary inflammatory responses.

Antidepressant activity:

One of the studies reported antidepressant activity for aqueous and alcoholic extract by determining its effect on duration of immobility in despair swimming, tail suspension test and the effect on spontaneous locomotor activity. Aqueous extract did not show any effect but the alcoholic extract of PP at the doses of 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in rats as compared to the vehicle control. Dunnett’s test revealed that the alcoholic extract of PP at the dose of 750mg/kg significantly decreased spontaneous locomotor activity as compared to the vehicle treated group.[40]

 

Antimutagenic Activity of Flavonoids from PP:

In a study, six compounds were isolated from dichloromethane fraction obtained from PPMeOH. Off which 7,4’-di-O-methyleriodictyol, 7,3’,4’-tri-O-methyleriodictyol, and 3,7,4’-tri-O-methylkaempferol and three flavonoids, ombuine, pachypodol, and kumatakenin were isolated and identified from the dichrolomethane fraction. All of the above compounds were found to be antimutagenic. These compounds were assayed with chemical mutagens, 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl) acrylamide (furylfuramide) and 3-amino-1, 4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido [4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), using Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 in the umu test. In the former mutagen, first three compounds exhibited suppressive effects on umu gene expression of the SOS response, but last three flavonoids did not. Compounds 7, 4’-di-O-methyleriodictyol and 3,7,4’-tri-O-methylkaempferol had greater suppressive potency than compound 7,3’,4’-tri-O-methyleriodictyol. In the latter mutagen, all compounds showed potent inhibition of the SOS induction at a lower concentration than those of furylfuramide. Especially last three compounds suppressed >80% of the SOS-inducing activity at 1/10-fold the concentration of furylfuramide.[30]

 

Toxicological assessment of patchouli oil

Patchouli oil obtained by steam distillation was given GRAS status by FEMA (1965), is approved by the FDA for food use (21 CFR 172.510) and was included by the Council of Europe (1974) in the list of substances. Spices and seasonings deemed admissible for use, with a possible limitation of the active principle in the final product.

 

Acute toxicity:

Both the acute oral LD50 in rats and the acute dermal LD50 in rabbits exceeded 5 g/kg. Acute toxicity of PA isolated from PO was also studied by intragastric administration of stepwise graded doses of PA in mice, gave an LD50 value of 4693 mg/kg. During the time of observation the animals exhibited decreased mobility, respiratory distress (gasping) with eventual immobility but no convulsions or loss of righting reflex prior to death.[9]

 

Sub acute toxicity:

No adverse effects on growth, food consumption, hematology, blood chemistry, liver and kidney weights or the gross and microscopic post-mortem appearance of major organs were observed in rats, when administered with PO (commercial grade) diluted in cotton-seed oil so that the oil solution added to the diet at a level of 2% provided average intakes of 11.9 and 14.5 mg patchouli oil/kg body weight/day for the males and females, respectively.[48] This dosage was reported to correspond to at least 100 times the maximum human dietary level.

 

Dermal toxicity:

Irritation- PO applied full strength to intact or abraded rabbit skin for 24 hr under occlusion was slightly irritating. Applied undiluted to the backs of hairless mice and swine, it was not irritating. When tested at 10% in petrolatum, it produced no irritation after a 48-hrs closed patch test on human subjects.

 

In tests with commercial PO, slight irritation of guinea-pig skin was observed after intradermal injection at 0.1 % in a suitable solvent while the highest concentration resulting in no irritation after topical application was 20%.[49] Using a modified Draize procedure, no sensitization reactions were observed with this sample.

 

In closed patch tests of patchouli oil on human skin; no irritation was produced in normal subjects by concentrations of 20% in vaseline or ointment or in subjects with dermatoses by 0.1%, in a non-irritant cream base.[50]

 

Sensitization:

A test[51] was carried out on 25 volunteers. The material was tested at a concentration of 10% in petrolatum and produced no sensitization reactions.

 

Phototoxicity:

No phototoxic effects were reported for undiluted patchouli oil on hairless mice and swine.

 

In hairless mice treated with PO (apparently applied topically in unstated concentration) and then irradiated for 72 or 96 hrs with an Osram Ultravitalux lamp at a distance of 50 cm. using a glass plate to attenuate the intensity of the light, a mild phototoxic effect was observed. When control animals were treated with the oil and not irradiated, no effects were observed.

 

Percutaneous absorption:

No absorption of PO through the shaved abdominal skin of mice was observed in a 2-hrs period.

 

Insecticidal activity:

PP essential oil was found to be toxic against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis with LC50 14.8 ml/m3

 

CONCLUSION:

Traditional use, reported pharmacological activities and use of Pogostemon patchouli in perfumery industry suggests a huge biological and commercial potential of this plant. Patchouli oil is non-sensitizing, non toxic as well as non-irritating. Due to its healing properties, it has become a popular choice for various cosmeticians and doctors. Even many reputed education institutes are offering courses on patchouli oil and its various benefits. Patchouli oil is not only used in beauty products, its medical as well as insect repellent properties further enhance its utility.

 

The phytochemicals exhibited different structural characteristics with various pharmacological actions. More importantly there have been no side effects/ toxicity reports from many years of research on this herb. The phytoanalytical information appears to be useful and might lead to development of novel agents for various disorders and could be explored further for commercial purposes. The existing evidence is limited to very few biological activities with underlined mechanism of action. Thus discovery of new agents with improved pharmacological activity can be expected from the phytoanalytical profile of this plant against molecular targets and can be explored further in the future as a source of useful phytochemicals for the pharmaceutical industry.

 

ABBREVIATIONS:

PP-Pogostemon patchouli; PA- patchouli alcohol; PO- patchouli oil; MPTP-1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; ROS-reactive oxygen species; DPPH- 2, 2-diphenyl -1- picryl hydrazyl; PPMeOH- Pogostemon patchouli methanol extract; IFN- interferon; IFV- anti-influenza virus; PGE2- prostaglanding E2; NO- nitric oxide; IL- interleukin; iNOS- inducible nitric oxide synthase; TNF- tumor necrosis factor; PAF- platelet activating factor; AA- arachidonic acid; , GRx,-Glutathione reductase; GPx- Glutathione peroxidase; TX- thrmboxane; COX- cyclooxygenase; FEMA- Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association; GRAS- Generally Recognized As Safe

 

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Received on 12.11.2013       Modified on 15.12.2013

Accepted on 20.12.2013      ©A&V Publications All right reserved

Res.  J. Pharmacognosy & Phytochem. 6(1): Jan.-Mar. 2013; Page 41-47