The next year, Peng et al. isolated one of the primary constituents of patchouli oil, pogostone, and assessed its antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. They found that pogostone suppressed both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in vitro. The researchers noted that pogostone was active against some drug-resistant bacteria (such as MRSA). Via intraperitoneal injection, pogostone displayed antibacterial activity in male and female Kunming mice against Escherichia coli and MRSA. At concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg, 90% of the mice infected with E. coli were protected; 60% of the mice at 25 mg/kg were protected. For mice with MRSA, 60% were protected at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 50% at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The investigators concluded that pogostone is a viable antibacterial agent for clinical use4.
Transdermal delivery
A 2008 study by Luo et al. showed that patchouli oil was among three volatile oils that improved the skin penetration of the flavonoids baicalin11. It was less effective than several compounds, including clove oil, camphor, menthol, and oleic acid, as a transdermal enhancer in a subsequent study by Zheng et al.12.
Conclusion
Patchouli oil continues to be used today in traditional Chinese medicine. In the West, the established literature on Pogostemon cablin is thin, but what has emerged recently, particularly studies on the protection against photoaging in mice, supports the continued investigation of this ancient herb to determine its potential role in dermatologic practice. As it is, much more research is necessary.
References
1. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;154(2):408-18.
2. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2014;63:113-23.
3. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2013;22(2):245-57.
4. Chin Med J. (Engl) 2014;127(23):4001-5.
5. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(5):1737-42
6. Phytother Res. 2005;19(4):303-9.
7. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2012;60(2):178-82.
8. Iran J Pharm Res. 2013 Summer;12(3):307-16.
9. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2013;26(6):1173-9.
10. Bioinformation 2013;9(6):321-4.
11. Zhong Yao Cai. 2008;31(11):1721-4
12. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009;34(20):2599-603.
Dr. Baumann is chief executive officer of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in the Design District in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote the textbook, “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and a book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). She has contributed to the Cosmeceutical Critique column in Dermatology News since January 2001. Her latest book, “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” was published in November 2014. Dr. Baumann has received funding for clinical grants from Allergan, Aveeno, Avon Products, Evolus, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Mary Kay, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Neutrogena, Philosophy, Topix Pharmaceuticals, and Unilever.