Exploring the phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential of Pogostemon cablin Benth: A comparative study in sole cropping and intercropping under tappable rubber plantation

Patchouli ( Pogostemon cablin Benth), is a herbaceous plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family characterized by its distinctive fragrance. The primary objective of its cultivation is the extraction of essential oil, which is widely utilized in various sectors, including cosmetics, perfumery, food and beverage production and pharmaceuticals. It is also a shade loving crop and suitable for intercropping in plantation crops especially coffee, tea, rubber and oil palm. The present study was conducted to screening out of the bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical value in the essential oil of P. cablin grown under both rubber plantations and sole crop via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results revealed that, steroids, terpenes, aromatic compounds and esters were found. In addition, several novel bioactive compounds with high pharmaceutical value are also found. These compounds which provides a way for the preparation of novel health care medicines to treat various health related problems. Hence, patchouli is recommended as the most suitable intercrop under rubber plantation.