Pelargonium graveolens

Pelargonium graveolens, commonly known as geranium, is a cherished medicinal plant prized for its aromatic foliage. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, it is frequently used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and soothe skin irritations. This versatile herb offers powerful antioxidant benefits, making it a staple in holistic wellness practices.

  • Scientific name: Pelargonium graveolens
  • Family: Geraniaceae
  • Native range: Europe

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 Pelargonium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Geraniales WCVP
Family Geraniaceae WCVP
Genus Pelargonium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Pelargonium graveolens, is widely recognized for its aromatic properties and is referred to by various names across different Chinese linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is known as 香叶天竺葵 (zh-hans) and is also used in mainland China as 香叶天竺葵 (zh-cn) and in Singapore as 香叶天竺葵 (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 香葉天竺葵 (zh-hant), which is the standard form used in Hong Kong as 香葉天竺葵 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 香叶天竺葵 Wikidata
zh-hant 香葉天竺葵 Wikidata
zh-hk 香葉天竺葵 Wikidata
zh-cn 香叶天竺葵 Wikidata
zh-sg 香叶天竺葵 Wikidata
zh-tw 香葉天竺葵 Wikidata
pl Pelargonia pachnąca Wikidata
el Πελαργόνιο το βαρύοσμο Wikidata
bg дъхаво мушкато Wikidata
he פלרגוניום חריף Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence can be noted in the area of Corse. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, it is also found within Sicilia. The species extends into the Macaronesia region, specifically inhabiting the Canary Is. Furthermore, its distribution reaches into South Tropical Africa in Zimbabwe and extends to the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Caribbean Cuba WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as geranium, is highly valued in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for its aromatic components. The most significant part used for therapeutic purposes is the essential oil, which is meticulously extracted from the aromatic leaves and stems. Within the specialized leaf tissues, various chemical compounds are synthesized, which are then concentrated to produce high-quality essential oils used in perfumes and healing salves.
Total parts
10
Scientific sources
19
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oil 5 ★★★☆☆
essential oils 4 ★★☆☆☆
leaves 3 ★★☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf tissues 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆
buds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Essential Oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pelargonium graveolens has 69 reported phytochemicals identified across 97 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include citronellol, geraniol, linalool, Cd, Geraniol.

Total chemicals
69
Scientific sources
97

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
citronellol 11 ★★★★★
geraniol 10 ★★★★★
linalool 4 ★★☆☆☆
Cd 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Geraniol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
citronellyl formate 2 ★☆☆☆☆
iso-menthone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
oil 2 ★☆☆☆☆
proline 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2-octen-1-ol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pelargonium graveolens has 10 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 5 ★★★☆☆
Antibacterial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antifungal 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pelargonium graveolens has 23 reported medicinal uses identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, wound healing, E. coli, Escherichia coli, Gram-negative bacteria.

Total uses
23
Scientific sources
25

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 2 ★☆☆☆☆
E. coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gram-negative bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gram-positive bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium fortuitum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium kansasii 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv 1 ★☆☆☆☆