Vetiver Oil (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Vetiver oil (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a steam-distilled essential oil and is not consumed as a food source in nutritionally significant quantities; therefore, traditional macronutrient values (protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber) are essentially negligible at typical usage doses (1–3 drops, ~0.05–0.15 mL). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive volatile and non-volatile compounds. Key constituents include: Sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene derivatives — vetiverol (8–15%), vetivone (α-vetivone: 2–6%, β-vetivone: 3–8%), khusimol (10–20%, often the dominant compound), isovalencenol (3–8%), vetiselinenol (2–5%), zizanal (1–3%), and khusimone (1–3%). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons include vetivazulene (trace–2%), α-vetivene and β-vetivene (combined 3–7%), and δ-selinene (1–3%). The oil also contains minor amounts of benzoic acid derivatives, furfural, and palmitic acid (trace). Total sesquiterpene alcohol content typically ranges from 45–65% of the oil. The oil is rich in antioxidant compounds; its ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value is notably high among essential oils, estimated at ~1,700–2,500 µmol TE/mL. No significant vitamins or minerals are present. Bioavailability notes: Sesquiterpene compounds are lipophilic with moderate-to-good dermal absorption (estimated 5–15% systemic absorption through intact skin within 60 minutes). When inhaled, volatile sesquiterpenes cross the blood-brain barrier due to their low molecular weight (200–250 Da) and lipophilicity, facilitating rapid CNS effects. Oral bioavailability of sesquiterpene alcohols like khusimol is estimated at 20–40% due to first-pass hepatic metabolism. The oil's density is approximately 0.98–1.02 g/mL, and it is insoluble in water but fully miscible in carrier oils and ethanol, which enhances topical bioavailability when diluted in lipid-based carriers.