Ushira
Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)
Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)) is a plant drug, also called Adhaya, Sevya and Virana, from the Poaceae (Gramineae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; FDA GRAS status for flavoring use; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopoeias.
| Botanical name | Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae (Gramineae) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Poales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; FDA GRAS status for flavoring use; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopoeias |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7352653 · Wikidata Q87591390 · NCBI Taxonomy 167337 |
| Sanskrit | Adhaya, Sevya, Virana |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Bena, Gandar, Khas |
| English | Cuscus Grass |
| Tamil | Vetiver, Vilamichaver |
| Malayalam | Lamajja, Ramaceam, Vetiver |
| Telugu | Vetivelu, Vettiveru |
| Kannada | Baladaberu, Lamanch, Mudivala |
| Marathi | Bala, Vala |
| Bengali | Khaskhas, Venarramula |
| Gujarati | Sugandhi Valo, Valo |
| Urdu | Khas |
| Punjabi | Khas, Panni |
| Oriya | Benachera, Ushira |
| Assamese | Usir, Virina |
Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. How we source.
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2009 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 5Other clinical studies and reviews
- 7Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Vetiver |
| Latin/Botanical | Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Vetiverol
- Alpha-vetivone and beta-vetivone
- Khusimol
- Khusimone
- Vetivene and beta-vetivenene
- Valerenol (18.48% in essential oil)
- Valerenal (10.21%)
- Vetivazulene
- Zizanal
- Iso-khusimol
How does it work?
- Antioxidant mechanism through potent free radical scavenging by beta-vetivenene, beta-vetivone, and alpha-vetivone, protecting against lipid peroxidation
- Anxiolytic and nootropic activity through modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and reduction of cortisol-mediated stress responses
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator pathways (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and reduction of oxidative stress in inflamed tissues
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Traditionally used as a brain tonic (Medhya). Studies in mice have reported anxiolytic and nootropic (memory-enhancing) effects.
- Traditionally used for Pitta disorders and burning sensation (Daha). Pharmacological studies have reported anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.
- Traditionally used for skin infections and wounds. Antimicrobial activity against multiple bacterial and fungal strains has been reported in studies.
What do recent studies show?
- Gunasekar CJ, Majdalawieh AF, Abu-Yousef IA and others 2025. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Applications and Future Prospects. Biomolecules. PMID 41008619 · doi:10.3390/biom15091312
Comprehensive review documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antitubercular, antihyperglycemic, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities of vetiver essential oil. - Barcellos-Silva IGC, Dos Santos FKF, Kharkwal H and others 2025. Vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash: Biotechnology, Biorefineries, and the Production of Volatile Phytochemicals. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40431000 · doi:10.3390/plants14101435
Reviewed biotechnological approaches for sustainable production of vetiver volatile phytochemicals, including cell culture and biorefinery strategies for commercial applications. - David A, Wang F, Sun X and others 2019. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Essential Oil Extracted by Carbon Dioxide Expanded Ethanol. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 31108854 · doi:10.3390/molecules24101897
Identified 22 components in CO2-expanded ethanol extract with valerenol, valerenal, and beta-cadinene as major constituents, showing significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Recent safety updates
- Vetiver essential oil is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA for food use; widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy with established safety profile
- Oral ingestion of vetiver root preparations should follow traditional dose guidelines; essential oil should not be ingested undiluted and may cause skin sensitization in concentrated form in susceptible individuals
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Essential oil, Ark (distillate), Capsule, Sherbet/Syrup, Lepa (paste)
Standard Dosage: 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 5-10 mL Ushirasava; 2-3 drops essential oil in water
Optimal Timing: Between meals for cooling and Pitta-pacifying action; morning and evening dosing; external application any time
Storage: Roots in well-ventilated, cool storage away from moisture. Essential oil in amber glass at room temperature (aging is beneficial). Powder in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C.
Marker Compounds: Khusimol, Vetiverol, alpha-Vetivone, beta-Vetivone, Isovalencenol, Vetiselinenol, Khusimone, Zizanoic acid
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2025. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Applications and Future ProspectsBiomolecules. PMID 41008619 · doi:10.3390/biom15091312
- 2025. Vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash: Biotechnology, Biorefineries, and the Production of Volatile PhytochemicalsPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40431000 · doi:10.3390/plants14101435
- 2021. Chrysopogon zizanioides-a review on its pharmacognosy, chemical composition and pharmacological activitiesEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 34215988 · doi:10.1007/s11356-021-15145-1
- 2012. Volatiles emitted from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides suppress the decline in attention during a visual display terminal taskBiomedical research (Tokyo, Japan). PMID 23124250 · doi:10.2220/biomedres.33.299
- 2009. Vetiver grass, Vetiveria zizanioides: a choice plant for phytoremediation of heavy metals and organic wastesInternational journal of phytoremediation. PMID 19810597 · doi:10.1080/15226510902787302
Laboratory and animal studies7
- 2025. In vivo and insilico toxicity studies of hydroalcoholic extract of Vetiveria zizanioides rootsJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 41205286 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2025.101256
- 2024. Vetiveria zizanioides modulates experimental epilepsy-induced seizures, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the brain of ratsMetabolic brain disease. PMID 39576294 · doi:10.1007/s11011-024-01443-3
- 2023. Enzyme-based green synthesis, characterisation, and toxicity studies of cellulose nanocrystals/fibres produced from the Vetiveria zizanioides roots agro-wasteEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 36484940 · doi:10.1007/s11356-022-24455-x
- 2023. Effects of biochar on the physiology and heavy metal enrichment of Vetiveria zizanioides in contaminated soil in mining areasJournal of hazardous materials. PMID 36860049 · doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130965
- 2021. Nephroprotective activity of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash supplement in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model of Wistar ratsJournal of food biochemistry. PMID 34396545 · doi:10.1111/jfbc.13901
- 2021. Simultaneous removal of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese from synthetic wastewater by Vetiveria zizanioidesEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 33851293 · doi:10.1007/s11356-021-13898-3
- 2019. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Essential Oil Extracted by Carbon Dioxide Expanded EthanolMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 31108854 · doi:10.3390/molecules24101897
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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