Production, economics, properties and industrial uses of essential oil of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): A review

Patchouli, botanically known as Pogostemon cablin Benth., belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is renowned for its significant medicinal and aromatic attributes. The primary purpose of its cultivation is to obtain its valuable essential oil, which is obtained by distillation of leaves and tender herbs. Patchouli and its essential oil have various medicinal and aromatic properties, which are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aromatherapy, food flavor, toiletries, perfumery and agarbatti production. Patchouli essential oil is a highly demandable produce in national and international markets, but the production of its oil is very low compared to global demand and the demand is increasing every year. Hence, to fulfill the global demand it is necessary to increase production by adopting improved cultivation practices and primary processing. The objective of this study is to collect secondary data on improved cultivation practices, varieties, production, uses, properties, export and import in India and global market aspects of patchouli. As more than 80% of patchouli oil is imported from other countries to fulfill our demand, it is an urgent need to popularize the cultivation and processing of patchouli among the farmers as an import substitution of this oil to save the Indian currency and supply the quality oil to the desired industries.

Keywords: Patchouli, Essential oil, Cultivation, Enhancement production, Import substitution.