Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Applications and Future Prospects

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Linn.) Nash, commonly known as vetiver, has been an integral component of traditional medicinal systems across India and Asia for centuries. The roots and essential oils of this aromatic grass have been widely utilized for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Recent scientific investigations have provided substantial evidence supporting these traditional claims, revealing a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals with significant pharmacological potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of C. zizanioides extracts in mitigating inflammation, alleviating pain, combating microbial infections, and even exhibiting anticancer and antidiabetic effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on the therapeutic properties of C. zizanioides, summarizing findings from in vitro assays, cell line studies, animal models, and available clinical studies. The bioactive constituents responsible for these pharmacological effects, including essential oil components and isolated fractions, are discussed, along with their proposed mechanisms of action. These mechanisms involve modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, microbial proliferation, and pain perception. Additionally, current research limitations, gaps in knowledge, and future directions for investigating medicinal applications of C. zizanioides are explored. Emerging scientific evidence increasingly validates traditional claims regarding the healing properties of this versatile medicinal grass.