Patchouli Oil

Today, patchouli oil s used as an antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-acne, eczema cure, chapped skin and dandruff, and to reduce inflammation. In addition, it is also used to help reduce anxiety and depression or to help people with insomnia (difficulty sleeping disorders). In the 1980s, its essential oil is often used for aromatherapy ingredients.
Its plant (Pogostemon spp) is known by various names in several areas, such as the: Sumatra-Java, rei (West Sumatra, pisak (Alor), ungapa (East). Among scientists known for several species of Pogostemon sp, among others:
• Pogostemon cablin Benth. It is popular with the name Aceh patchouli; the main characteristic is the leaves are rounded like hearts, and on the surface of the bottom of the leaves, there are many hairs. This species is up to the age of 3 (three) years of almost no interest.
• Pogostemon hortensis Backer. It is known as the soap patchouli. The central characteristic leaf is the thinner, hairless, shiny surface of the leaves, and the color is green.
• Pogostemon heyneanus Benth. It is often called the Java patchouli. The characteristics of the leaf are thin and rather sharp, the color is dark green, and it is flowering more quickly.
Of the three types, the highest essential oil content is the Aceh (2.5 to 5.0%). In contrast, the others contain an average essential oil content of only 0.5 to 1.5%. Nowadays, it has been known for the three varieties of Indonesia with superior productivity of> 300 kg patchouli oil /ha, i.e., Sidikalang, Tapaktuan, and Lhokseumawe.
Patchouli oil is produced by distillation, either with steam or high-pressure steam. Its main compound is patchouli alcohol (PA), about 30%. Patchouli oil composition are: β-patchoulene 2.90 to 3.80%, α-guaiene 13.10 - 15.20%, caryophyllene 3.30 to 3.90%, α-patchoulene 5.10 to 5.90%, seychellene 8.60 to 9.40%, α-bulnesene14.70 to 16.80%, and norpatchoulenol 0.50%. PA is usually used as a basis for determining the desired quality of this oil in addition to the requirement of free from oil contamination by iron (Fe). Therefore, refineries or distillation should be done by using a kettle made of rust-free (stainless steel) instead of iron or steel, which are corrosive.
Its cultivation is not too tricky, with careful selection of varieties, the management of intensive cultivation, and a growing environment that meets the requirements, i.e., at a temperature of 24-28 ° C, rainfall is 2000-3500 mm/year or humidity> 75%, crumb texture of the soil, loose and lots of humus, dirt, and altitude reached 50-400 m above sea level. Plants that grow in the lowlands have a high oil content, PA is low, and vice versa at high altitudes, low oil content, but the PA was high. Its production center is mostly in NAD, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Bengkulu, South Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. Some areas, such as South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan, also began to produce it.
Patchouli oil is a binder (fixative) of other fragrance ingredients in perfumes and cosmetic compositions. In addition, it can be used to control pests. Besides being used in the form of oil, it is also helpful for skin moisturizing ingredients, eliminating body odor, body and drug preservatives, and medical treatment of the skin.
It is exported to various countries like the USA, Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, UK, Taiwan, Holland, Germany, and China with an export volume of 2,074,250 kg of oil, the export value of U.S. $ 27,136,913 in 2004 (BPS, 2007). Its world consumption 2006 was about 1500 tons/year, and Indonesia is the primary producer. The situation in 2007 - 2008 could have been more conducive (the price fluctuated quite significantly), resulting in a drop in production and consumption by more than 40% (Mulyadi, 2008). The performance of Indonesia patchouli oil exports by volume (kg) estimated that only about 50-60% of exports in 2006, although the value (GBP/USD) rose because there were significant price hikes.

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