Soumili Majumdar,
- Student, KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT – Deemed to be University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
Abstract
Pogostemon benghalensis is a fragrant perennial shrub belonging to the family Lamiaceae, widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It has been extensively utilized in traditional and ethnomedicinal systems for the treatment of wounds, skin infections, fever, digestive disorders, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. The plant is also valued for its antiseptic, aphrodisiac, insect-repellent, and veterinary medicinal properties. Its leaves, roots, and essential oil are incorporated into herbal formulations, natural dyes, cosmetics, and traditional healthcare practices. Recent phytochemical investigations have identified more than 140 bioactive constituents, including sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lignans, glycosides, tannins, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its diverse biological activities. Experimental studies have demonstrated that these phytochemicals possess significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective properties. The essential oil exhibits remarkable free radical scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and potent antimicrobial efficacy, highlighting its therapeutic potential. In addition to its medicinal importance, P. benghalensis has emerged as a promising source of eco-friendly biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Its bioactive metabolites exhibit insecticidal, larvicidal, and pest-repellent activities against several agricultural pests, offering an environmentally safe alternative to synthetic pesticides and contributing to crop protection and environmental restoration. Furthermore, the plant has considerable industrial significance due to its applications in pharmaceutical formulations, herbal cosmetics, perfumery, food preservation, natural fragrances, bioactive packaging materials, and green agricultural products. This review comprehensively summarizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, bio-pesticidal applications, and industrial prospects of Pogostemon benghalensis, emphasizing its potential as a valuable natural resource for future drug discovery, sustainable crop management, and environmentally responsible industrial development.
Keywords: Pogostemon benghalensis, patchouli, ethnomedicine, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, and glycosides antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, antioxidant, patchouli alcohol, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, phytopharmacology, bio pesticide
[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Botany ]
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Research & Reviews : Journal of Botany
| Volume | 15 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 16/04/2026 | |
| Accepted | 10/07/2026 | |
| Published | 11/07/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 86 Days |