Notes on the Composition of Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.)

A study of commercial oils of Patchouli [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.] from three regions in Asia found no evidence for the presence of allo-aromadendrene in any of the oils, indicating that previous reports were either adulterated with Gurjun Balsam (Dipterocarpus sp.) or more likely misidentified. Traces of acetophenone, 9-epi-beta-caryophyllene, (E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, (E,E)-farnesol, (E,E)-farnesyl acetate, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, isovaleric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 5-methylfurfural, 1-octen-3-one, 2-pentylfuran, phenylacetaldehyde, phytol, toluene, and p-vinylguaiacol were identified, possibly for the first time, in Patchouli oil.