FolkKB

Geranium

Pelargonium

Pelargonium is a genus of plants with diverse species, including Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium graveolens. Traditionally, there are no specific records of its use in any particular medical traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that Pelargonium sidoides exhibits multi-target activity with immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, supporting its potential use in managing respiratory tract infections. Meanwhile, studies indicate that nano-formulations of citronella and geranium essential oils show enhanced insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis compared to bulk oils. Pelargonium graveolens flowers contain gallotannins that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial motility, biofilm formation, membrane integrity, and efflux pump function. Notably, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for any species of Pelargonium.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

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

What the science says

  • A nanoliposomal hydrogel containing Pelargonium graveolens essential oil showed enhanced repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi compared to free PEO but was shorter than DEET. D PMID
  • The study provided a summary of properties and clinical trial evidence for several plant-derived agents, including Pelargonium sidoides, in treating respiratory tract infections. D PMID
  • Nano-formulations of citronella and geranium essential oils showed enhanced insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis compared to bulk oils. D PMID
  • The study found that Pelargonium sidoides shows multi-target activity with immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, supporting its use in managing respiratory tract infections. A PMID
  • Pelargonium graveolens flowers contain gallotannins that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial motility, biofilm formation, membrane integrity, and efflux pump function. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Geranium?

Geranium (Pelargonium) 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?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Geranium; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: A nanoliposomal hydrogel containing Pelargonium graveolens essential oil showed enhanced repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi compared to free PEO but was shorter than DEET.

How strong is the evidence for Geranium?

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

Is Geranium safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Geranium interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Geranium?

Geranium is also known as: Пеларгония, Pélargonium.

Is Geranium 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. T2 Pelargonium sidoides - from ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine: a systematic review. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 A stable nanoliposomal carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel of Pelargonium essential oil: Formulation, characterization, and enhanced repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Comparative insecticidal efficacy and biochemical impact of nano-encapsulated citronella and geranium essential oils against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 A Review of the Properties of Clinically Evaluated Plant-Derived Agents in the Treatment of Respiratory Infections. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Hydrolysable tannins from Pelargonium graveolens overcome bacterial virulence and resistance through membrane and motility disruption. literature abstract metadata

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