Geranium maculatum
Geranium maculatum
Geranium maculatum, commonly known as spotted geranium or cranesbill, is a traditional medicinal plant native to North America. While it has been used in various folk remedies and herbal practices, its specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific research primarily focuses on the plant's essential oil, which has shown promise in enhancing insecticidal activity against pests like Plodia interpunctella and Culex pipiens pipiens when formulated as polymeric nanoparticles or nanoemulsions. These studies indicate that such formulations can improve efficacy under varying conditions, though the strength of evidence is limited to specific applications. No significant safety concerns have been reported for Geranium maculatum, nor are there any recorded drug interactions associated with its use.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
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.
- 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.
- This study found that polymer nanoparticles containing essential oils from geranium had varying larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes.
- 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.
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 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
- T2 Polymer nanoparticles containing essential oils: new options for mosquito control. literature abstract metadata
- 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
- 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
- T2 An automated pipeline for supervised classification of petal color from citizen science photographs. literature abstract metadata