Antifungal and antibacterial properties in vitro of three patchouly oils from different origins

The antifungal and antibacterial activities ct the patchouly [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth] oils from three geographical regions (China, India and Indonesia) are studied against seventeen pathogenic fungus strains and sixteen commensal bacteria strains of diverse organs (skin, mucous membrane, nail, foot and armpit). In vitro, they have a manifeste antifungal and antibacterial properties and present a certain phytotherapeutic interest. That of China is more active with MIC inferior to 400 mu l/l. in these volatile oils, the twenty major components are analysed by means of GC-MS. The good performance of the chinese oil could be linked to a high percentage of patchouli alcohol in vitro.