Deters Bacterial and Fungal Growth
Essential oils, like vetiver, have been found to possess properties that can combat disease-causing pathogens. These oils contain components that have the ability to eliminate certain types of fungi and bacteria, without causing any harm to human cells. A recent study published in Molecules in 2018 examined the effects of vetiver oil and found that it exhibited significant inhibition against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, as well as certain human breast tumor cell lines.
Lowers Toxicity of Chemotherapy
In a study conducted in 2015, vetiver oil was found to have protective properties against the severe adverse side effects of anticancer drugs, which often limit their effectiveness. The study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, showed that subjects who received vetiver oil prior to their chemotherapy injections experienced reduced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. Researchers believe that the antioxidant activity of vetiver oil plays a role in its ability to protect against the toxicity of chemotherapy.