Abstract

Vetiveria zizanioides, known as vetiver grass, is renowned for its ecological significance in soil erosion control and the restoration of lands polluted by heavy metals. Additionally, this plant is extensively harvested for vetiver oil, widely utilized in both medicine and perfumery. The study was designed to investigate the phytochemicals, antilipase, hemoglobin antiglycation, antihyperglycemic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of V. zizanioides. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various volatile compounds, among which the most predominant ones, which are, 4,6,6-Trimethyl-2-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl) −3-oxatricyclo [5.1.0.0(2,4)] octane, Cycloisolongifolene (8,9-dehydro-), and 9 H-Cycloisolongifolene (8-oxo-). It is noteworthy that this essential oil has shown significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and glycation, with respective IC50 values of 0.47 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.004, 0.58 ± 0.008, and 0.49 ± 0.005 mg/mL. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of EoVZ was assessed against a diverse spectrum of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, as well as fungi, using both disc-diffusion and broth-microdilution techniques. The results showed significant antimicrobial effects against all tested microorganisms, with inhibition zones ranging from 28.33 ± 1.66 mm to 9.0 ± 0.0 mm for bacteria and from 22.5 ± 1.7 mm to 14.0 ± 0.3 mm for fungi. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined, with values ranging from 0.0625% to 2.0% (v/v) for bacteria and from 2.0% to 8.0% (v/v) for fungi. The MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios indicated bactericidal and fungicidal mechanisms. This study underscores the prominent attributes of EoVZ, particularly its antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties, suggesting its potential as a natural and effective agent ensuring high safety standards for public health.