FolkKB

Geranium maculatum

Geranium maculatum

Geranium maculatum is a perennial herb rooted in North American traditional medicine. It has been historically utilized as an astringent for treating wounds, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, sore throat, swelling, and various forms of bleeding. Scientific evidence regarding human therapeutic use is limited, though studies have explored its essential oil for insecticidal properties, showing potential larvicidal and toxic effects against certain insects when formulated in nanoemulsions or nanoparticles. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
astringent · bleeding
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • wounds Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • cholera traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • enterorrhagia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • plague Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • sore throat traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • swelling traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study developed an automated method using k-means clustering in the HSV color space to classify petal colors from citizen science photographs, demonstrated with Geranium maculatum and Linanthus parryae. D PMID
  • The study found that nanoemulsions of geranium essential oil enhanced its toxicity against Culex pipiens pipiens and Plodia interpunctella compared to the essential oil alone. D PMID
  • This study found that polymer nanoparticles containing essential oils from geranium had varying larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes. D PMID
  • Geranium maculatum L. essential oil formulated as polymeric nanoparticles enhanced its insecticidal activity against Plodia interpunctella in both contact and fumigant bioassays, though effects varied with temperature. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Geranium maculatum?

Geranium maculatum (Geranium maculatum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Geranium maculatum traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Geranium maculatum for: astringent, bleeding, diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, cholera. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Geranium maculatum?

Geranium maculatum appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Geranium maculatum?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Geranium maculatum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study developed an automated method using k-means clustering in the HSV color space to classify petal colors from citizen science photographs, demonstrated with Geranium maculatum and Linanthus parryae.

How strong is the evidence for Geranium maculatum?

The strongest finding for Geranium maculatum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Geranium maculatum safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Geranium maculatum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Geranium maculatum interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Geranium maculatum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Geranium maculatum a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Polymer nanoparticles containing essential oils: new options for mosquito control. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ultrasound assisted formation of essential oil nanoemulsions: Emerging alternative for Culex pipiens pipiens Say (Diptera: Culicidae) and Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) management. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Ecofriendly Approach for the Control of a Common Insect Pest in the Food Industry, Combining Polymeric Nanoparticles and Post-application Temperatures. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 An automated pipeline for supervised classification of petal color from citizen science photographs. literature abstract metadata

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