The Utilization of Vetiver as Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Vetiver is a tall, tufted, perennial, scented grass with a straight stem, long narrow leaves and a lacework root system that is abundant, complex and extensive. Vetiver has versatile uses, particularly as an inexpensive yet effective and eco-friendly tool to combat soil erosion. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are two related groups of plants having in their part chemical constituents which are active in curing ailments (i.e. MP) or in providing flavors and/or fragrances (i.e. AP). Vetiver has traditionally been utilized as MAP since ancient times, particularly in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Senegal, Sri Lanka and a few other countries as well as in Thailand. This paper describes potential utilization of vetiver, both as MP and AP. It also highlights the utilization of vetiver as MAP in Thailand that includes the utilization of vetiver in traditional medicine, in pest control, and as fragrant materials. Research on production of vetiver oil and the R&D on industrial potential of vetiver as aromatic plants in Thailand are also described. It ends with the discussion on the main objective of planting vetiver, environmental implication, socio-economic aspects, and industrial potentials.