Patchouli Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Patchouli, Patchouli oil, Patchouli glycerite liquid extract, Pogostemon cablin
Overview
Patchouli glycerite liquid extract is a glycerin-based extract derived from the leaves of *Pogostemon cablin*, a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This extract contains key bioactive compounds such as patchouli alcohol, azulene, δ-guaiene, and seychellene. Traditionally, it has been utilized for addressing gastrointestinal ailments, various skin conditions, and as a popular fragrance component in perfumery. Unlike essential oils, which are typically obtained through distillation and are highly volatile, glycerite extracts are alcohol- or glycerin-based, which may allow for the preservation of a broader spectrum of phytochemicals and make them suitable for both oral and topical applications. While patchouli essential oil has been more extensively studied, research specifically on the glycerite form is moderate, with most available evidence stemming from preclinical studies or small-scale clinical observations, rather than comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses.
Benefits
Preclinical studies, primarily using patchouli oil, suggest several potential benefits. It has shown significant anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal benefits, particularly in rat models of colitis, where it reduced colonic damage, inflammatory markers like myeloperoxidase, and normalized gut microbial metabolites associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]. Patchouli extracts also exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to compounds like patchouli alcohol and other sesquiterpenes, which are relevant for maintaining skin and mucosal health [2]. Furthermore, patchouli is widely used in cosmetic and aromatic applications for its distinct fragrance and potential skin benefits, although clinical efficacy data in these areas are limited. It is important to note that high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses directly assessing the clinical efficacy of patchouli glycerite liquid extract in humans are currently lacking.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of patchouli are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly patchouli alcohol. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory actions by modulating various inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and influencing gut microbial metabolites. Specifically, patchouli alcohol and related sesquiterpenes are believed to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, thereby mitigating inflammatory responses. The glycerite form of the extract may enhance the solubility and stability of certain active compounds compared to essential oils, potentially improving their bioavailability, though specific pharmacokinetic data for the glycerite extract are not yet available.
Side effects
Patchouli oil and its extracts are generally considered safe when used topically or in moderate oral doses. However, essential oils, including patchouli oil, can occasionally cause skin irritation or sensitization in susceptible individuals. While specific safety data for patchouli glycerite extracts are limited, glycerin-based extracts are typically well-tolerated. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been widely documented in the scientific literature for patchouli. Nevertheless, rare allergic reactions or contact dermatitis may occur with topical application of patchouli oil. Users should perform a patch test before widespread topical use, especially if they have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to botanical products.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines established for patchouli glycerite liquid extract due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies, such as those investigating colitis in rats, have used patchouli oil rectally at doses of 270 mg/kg [1]. For topical or oral applications of glycerite extracts, dosing is largely empirical or based on traditional usage patterns, as clinical validation is still lacking. It is also important to consider that the extraction method significantly influences the yield and composition of bioactive compounds; for instance, supercritical CO2 extraction has been shown to improve the yield and quality of bioactives compared to other methods [2, 3]. Without specific clinical data, it is advisable to start with a low dose and observe individual response, especially given the variability in extract potency based on preparation methods.
FAQs
Is patchouli glycerite extract effective for gut inflammation?
Preclinical evidence from animal models suggests anti-inflammatory effects for patchouli oil in gut inflammation, but human clinical data specifically for the glycerite extract are currently lacking.
Is patchouli glycerite extract safe for topical use?
Generally, it is considered safe for topical use, though patchouli oil can cause irritation in some individuals. Glycerite extracts may be milder, but a patch test is recommended.
How does patchouli glycerite extract differ from patchouli essential oil?
Glycerite extract is glycerin-based, less volatile, and may contain a broader range of compounds than essential oils, which are typically obtained through distillation.
What is the best extraction method for patchouli?
Supercritical CO2 extraction is often cited as yielding higher quality and quantity of bioactive compounds compared to traditional methods like steam distillation or hydrodistillation.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28810577/ – This preclinical study in rats demonstrated that patchouli oil significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms, reducing colonic damage and inflammatory markers, and normalizing gut microbial metabolites associated with IBD. The findings suggest potential anti-inflammatory and gut-protective effects, though it was an animal model and did not specifically test glycerite extract.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9503852/ – This analytical chemical characterization study focused on patchouli extracts obtained via supercritical CO2 extraction. It identified patchouli alcohol and other sesquiterpenes as key bioactives and concluded that supercritical CO2 extraction improved the yield and quality of these compounds compared to steam distillation.
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/ra/c6ra25894h – This study focused on developing a microwave air-hydrodistillation method for patchouli oil extraction. It found that this method resulted in faster extraction, better yield, and a richer heavy fraction of compounds compared to conventional methods, highlighting its potential as a green extraction technique.
