Geranium mexicanum
Geranium mexicanum, commonly known as Mexican Geranium or Rose Geranium, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for its aromatic leaves. Renowned for its calming scent, it possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Often used in aromatherapy and skincare, this resilient perennial offers diverse therapeutic benefits for holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Geranium mexicanum
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Geraniales and the family Geraniaceae, it is classified under the genus Geranium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Geraniales | WCVP |
| Family | Geraniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Geranium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Geranium mexicanum, is known by several different names depending on the region and language. In English, it is most frequently referred to as the Mexican geranium, while in Spanish, it is commonly called geranio mexicano. In French, it is known as géranium du Mexique, and in German, it is called mexikanischer Storchschnabel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is native to various regions across the diverse landscape of Mexico. Its presence is documented throughout Mexico Central, where it thrives in specific local environments. Furthermore, it can be found extending into the areas of Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The distribution continues westward, reaching into the territory of Mexico Northwest. Finally, the species is also established within the region of Mexico Southwest.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Geranium mexicanum, possesses various components that can be utilized for medicinal purposes. While the roots are often studied for their specific chemical profiles and potential underground bioactive compounds, it is the aerial parts—which include the stems, leaves, and flowers—that are most frequently harvested and used in traditional remedies. These above-ground structures contain the primary concentration of essential oils and secondary metabolites responsible for the plant's therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Geranium mexicanum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-epicatechin, tiliroside, flavan-3-ol, kaempferol.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-)-epicatechin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tiliroside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavan-3-ol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Geranium mexicanum has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Geranium mexicanum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include amoebiasis, Giardia lamblia, antioxidant, diarrhea, dysentery.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| amoebiasis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Giardia lamblia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trichomoniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |