Phytochemical, Pharmacological importance of Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth) an aromatic medicinal plant

Aromatic plants have been commercially used as spices, natural flavor, raw material for essential-oil industry and other medicinal purpose. The use of essential oils continues to rise, both as a separate commodity and indirectly through a large range of beautycare and aromatherapy products. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth; is a species from the genus Pogostemon and a bushy herb of the mint family. Patchouli leaves are the source for essential oils that constitutes more than 70 chemical compounds. The presence of these compounds imparts excellent therapeutic properties to Patchouli oils that cure various problems tormenting human beings. Production of patchouli oil in India is limited (10–15 tons/ annum). Global demand of Patchouli is 1600 tons of oil per annum with a value of 240 crores. It helps cultivators to meet the demand of the spices and pharmaceutical industry. The present communication constitutes a review on the study of phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, medicinal importance of an aromatic medicinal plant, Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Blanco) Benth. A wide range of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth which possesses activities like antimicrobial, cytotoxic activity, antiemetic activity, analgesic, anti-mutagenic activity and anti-inflammatory activity and other important activities. Based upon the given significant information, Pogostemon cablin can be developed into novel natural medicine.