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Geranium: Geranium genus Pelargonian genus A Botanical With Significant Potential


Geranium is a botanical that seems to be appearing in more products in the natural products industry. However, there is some confusion as to which plant we are talking about when we say “geranium.” The reasons for this confusion is, not only are there a number of plant species referred to as geranium, but there are two different genera (i.e., the scientific level of plant classification right above species) as well: Geranium and Pelargonium. Furthermore, both of these genera are used in natural products. Therefore, this article will review research on plant species in both the Geranium genus and the Pelargonium genus.

Note: Some supplement companies have claimed that dimethylamylamine is a natural compound found in geranium oil. Nevertheless, this has not been verified by laboratory analysis. In fact, laboratory analyses have not been able to detect dimethylamylamine in geranium oil. There is concern, however, that some supplement manufacturers may have artificially spiked their supplements with this synthetic drug.1,2

The Geranium Genus

With one exception and two possible exceptions, a comprehensive search of the literature did not reveal any published human clinical studies using any plants from the Geranium genus. The one exception was a clinical trial in which a combination of Geranium robertianum (aka, Herb Robert or Geranium Robert) with Calendula officinalis, Arctium lappa and acyclovir (i.e., a topical medication used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in herpes infections) was shown to be more effective for the treatment of herpetic keratitis (i.e., a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus) in 52 patients than the use of acyclovir alone.3

The two possible exceptions involved studies that did not reveal whether the geranium used was from a Geranium or Pelargonium species. One study compared four natural products (including germanium) and a synthetic one to determine their effectiveness as mosquito repellants. The results were that none of the natural products were found to effectively repel mosquitoes.4 The other study found that inhalation of an aromatherapy mixture of vetiver, bergamot and geranium was no more effective than placebo in reducing anxiety.

However, there has been in-vitro (i.e., “test-tube”) and animal research conducted on the Geranium genus:

• Anti-acetylcholinesterase: Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Geranium sylvaticum (aka, wood crane’s bill or woodland geranium) inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro.6 Theoretically, inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine might improve memory.

• Antibacterial: Antibacterial activity was seen by Geranium robertianum oil in vitro against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli7, and by geranium strictipes oil against Staphylococcus aureus.8

• Anticancer: A constituent of the Geranium genus, geraniin was shown to induce apoptosis (i.e., cell death) in melanoma cells in vitro.9 Geranium sibiricum (aka, Siberian crane’s bill or Siberian geranium) extract reduced tumor number and the weight of liver metastases in animal research.

• Antidiarrheal: Geranium incanum (aka, carpet geranium) extract exhibited had antidiarrheal activity in animal research.11

• Antifungal: Geranium robertianum has shown antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeast strains in vitro.12

• Antioxidant: An extract of Geranium sanguineum (aka, bloody crane’s bill or bloody geranium), rich in polyphenols, displayed antioxidant effects, reducing hydrogen peroxidemediated effects and lipid peroxidation in vitro and in animal research.13 Likewise an extract of Geranium robertianum and Geranium sibiricum also displayed antioxidant effects in vitro.14,15

• Antiviral: Geranium sanguineum extract protected mice from death caused by an experimental influenza virus infection.16 Selective anti-influenza effects were also seen in vitro with a polyphenolic complex isolated from Geranium sanguineum.17 In animal research, Geranium sanguineum extracts also delayed the development of small blisters following herpes simplex virus type 1 infection, and in vitro significantly inhibited herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 replication.18 At higher concentrations, the extract showed strong extracellular virus-inactivating activity. In addition, Geranium carolinianum (aka, Carolina geranium) extract had anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro.19,20

The Pelargonium Genus

Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil that is distilled from the stem and leaf is the active material. The oil naturally occurring constituents include citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl formate and geraniol. These seem to exhibit marginal antitumor activity in vitro.21 The essential oil from rose geranium oil also has antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro.22,23

• Postherpetic neuralgia: Clinical research suggests that a single topical application of rose geranium oil can significantly reduce pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (i.e., pain that lasts for more than a month after a shingles infection) compared to placebo. Pain relief appears to be concentrationdependent, and rose geranium oil in a concentration of 100 percent appears to be about twice as effective as a 50 percent concentration.24

The root of South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) is the applicable part of the plant, and contains active constituents including coumarins, hydrolysable tannins (such as catechin, gallocatechin, gallic acid and other polyphenols) and proanthocyanidins.25,26 In-vitro research has demonstrated antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects.27-30

• Bronchitis: In a randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled trial31,124 adults with acute bronchitis were treated with South African geranium or placebo for seven days. The results were a statistically significant reduction in bronchitis symptoms with the South African geranium over placebo. Within the first four days, onset of treatment effect was recognized in 68.8 percent of patients in the South African geranium group compared with 33.3 percent of patients in the placebo group. Healthrelated quality of life also improved more in patients treated with South African geranium compared with placebo- treated patients.

• Tonsillopharyngitis: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children aged 6 to 10 years with tonsillopharyngitis (i.e., inflammation of the tonsils and pharynx) who took South African geranium extract seem to have significantly reduced symptoms such as sore throat and difficulty swallowing compared to placebo after four days of treatment.32

• Common cold: A randomized, placebo-controlled study33 determined the efficacy of South African geranium extract or placebo for the treatment of the common cold in 103 adult patients (18 to 55 years old). From baseline to day five, improvement in the symptom score about doubled in the South African geranium extract group compared to placebo. After 10 days, 78.8 percent of the South African geranium extract group was clinically cured compared with 31.4 percent in the placebo group.

• Sinusitis: In a 21-day, multi-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study34, 103 adult patients (18 to 60 years of age) with acute sinusitis received South African geranium extract or placebo. By day seven there was almost double the decrease in the sinusitis symptom score in South African geranium extract group compared to placebo. By day 21, sinus X-rays were normal in more than 90 percent of the South African geranium extract group compared with 10 percent of the placebo group. By day seven, 63 percent of the South African geranium extract group were back to work compared with 37 percent in the placebo group. The investigators assessed the treatment outcome on day seven as “major improvement” in 30 percent of the South African geranium extract group compared with 5.8 percent in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Human clinical research is limited on plants of the Geranium genus. In-vitro and animal research does suggest that Geranium sanguineum extract may offer antiviral effects. More human clinical research exists on plants of the Pelargonium genus. Specifically, South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) appears to have efficacy in the treatment of respiratory disorders, including bronchitis, the common cold and sinusitis (as well as offering relief for tonsillopharyngitis). Furthermore, rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) has been shown to significantly reduce pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

References:

1 Daniells S. AHPA takes ‘1st stand’ on labeling of DMAA-geranium oil. Nutraingredients-usa.com, August 9, 2011. Available at: http://www.nutraingredientsusa. com/Industry/AHPA-takes-1st-stand-on-labelingof- DMAA-geranium-oil. (Accessed 12 August 2011).

2 Starling S. Synthetic geranium substance raises ephedra-like red flags. Nutraingredients-use.com, May 11, 2010. Available at: http://www.nutraingredientsusa. com/Industry/Synthetic-geranium-substance-raises- ephedra-like-red-flags. (Accessed 12 August 2011) .

3 Corina, P., Dimitris, S., Emanuil, T., and Nora, R. [Treatment with acyclovir combined with a new Romanian product from plants]. Oftalmologia 1999;46(1):55-57.

4 Girgenti, P. and Suss, L. [Repellent activity against Aedes aegypti (L.) Of formulas based on natural vegetable extracts or synthetic active agents]. Ann Ig 2002;14(3):205-210.

5 Wiebe, E. A randomized trial of aromatherapy to reduce anxiety before abortion. Eff.Clin Pract 2000;3(4):166-169.

6 Sigurdsson, S. and Gudbjarnason, S. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by extracts and constituents from Angelica archangelica and Geranium sylvaticum. Z Naturforsch.C. 2007;62(9-10):689-693.

7 Schelz, Z., Molnar, J., and Hohmann, J. Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia 2006;77(4):279-285.

8 Zuo, G. Y., Wang, G. C., Zhao, Y. B., Xu, G. L., Hao, X. Y., Han, J., and Zhao, Q. Screening of Chinese medicinal plants for inhibition against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). J Ethnopharmacol. 11-20-2008;120(2):287-290.

9 Lee, J. C., Tsai, C. Y., Kao, J. Y., Kao, M. C., Tsai, S. C., Chang, C. S., Huang, L. J., Kuo, S. C., Lin, J. K., and Way, T. D. Geraniin-mediated apoptosis by cleavage of focal adhesion kinase through up-regulation of Fas ligand expression in human melanoma cells. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008;52(6):655-663.

10 Huang, G. D., You, Y., Huang, Y. H., Tang, L. J., Yang, Z. F., Xu, L., Huang, D. F., and Xiao, M. Z. [Effects of Geranium sibirum extracts on liver metastases in nude mice with colonic cancer]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2009;32(1):97-99.

11 Amabeoku, G. J. Antidiarrhoeal activity of Geranium incanum Burm. F. (Geraniaceae) leaf aqueous extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-4- 2009;123(1):190-193.

12 Schelz, Z., Molnar, J., and Hohmann, J. Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia 2006;77(4):279-285.

13 Murzakhmetova, M., Moldakarimov, S., Tancheva, L., Abarova, S., and Serkedjieva, J. Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of a polyphenolrich extract from Geranium sanguineum L. in vitro and in vivo. Phytother.Res 2008;22(6):746-751.

14 Amaral, S., Mira, L., Nogueira, J. M., da Silva, A. P. , and Helena, Florencio M. Plant extracts with antiinflammatory properties—a new approach for characterization of their bioactive compounds and establishment of structure-antioxidant activity relationships. Bioorg.Med Chem 3-1-2009;17(5):1876-1883.

15 Shim, J. U. and Lim, K. T. Antioxidative activity of glycoprotein isolated from Geranium sibiricum Linne. Nat Prod Res 2009;23(4):375-387.

16 Serkedjieva, J., Gegova, G., and Mladenov, K. Protective efficacy of an aerosol preparation, obtained from Geranium sanguineum L., in experimental influenza infection. Pharmazie 2008;63(2):160-163.

17 Serkedjieva, J. and Hay, A. J. In vitro antiinfluenza virus activity of a plant preparation from Geranium sanguineum L. Antiviral Res 1998;37(2):121-130.

18 Serkedjieva, J. and Ivancheva, S. Antiherpes virus activity of extracts from the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64(1):59-68.

19 Li, J., Huang, H., Zhou, W., Feng, M., and Zhou, P. Anti-hepatitis B virus activities of Geranium carolinianum L. extracts and identification of the active components. Biol Pharm Bull 2008;31(4):743-747.

20 Li, J., Huang, H., Feng, M., Zhou, W., Shi, X., and Zhou, P. In vitro and in vivo anti-hepatitis B virus activities of a plant extract from Geranium carolinianum L. Antiviral Res 2008;79(2):114-120.

21 Fang HJ, Su XL, Liu HY, et al. [Studies on the chemical components and anti-tumor action of the volatile oils from Pelargonium graveoleus]. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao 1989;24:366-71.

22 Lis-Balchin M, Buchbauer G, Hirtenlehner T, Resch M. Antimicrobial activity of Pelargonium essential oils added to a quiche filling as a model food system. Lett Appl Microbiol 1998;27:207-10.

23 Pattnaik S, Subramanyam VR, Kole C. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios 1996;86:237-46.

24 Greenway FL, Frome BM, Engels TM. Temporary relief of postherpetic neuralgia pain with topical geranium oil. Am J Med 2003;115:586-7.

25 Kolodziej H, Kayser O, Radtke OA, et al. Pharmacological profile of extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and their constituents. Phytomedicine 2003;10 Suppl 4:18-24.

26 Schotz K, Noldner M. Mass spectroscopic characterisation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins derived from an extract of Pelargonium sidoides roots (EPs 7630) and pharmacological screening in CNS models. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:32-9.

27 Kolodziej H, Kayser O, Radtke OA, et al. Pharmacological profile of extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and their constituents. Phytomedicine 2003;10 Suppl 4:18-24.

28 Kolodziej H, Kiderlen AF. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities of Pelargonium reniforme, Pelargonium sidoides and the related herbal drug preparation Eps 7630. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:18-26.

29 Conrad A, Hansmann C, Engels I, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) improves phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and intracellular killing of human peripheral blood phagocytes in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:46-51.

30 Conrad A, Jung I, Tioua D, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) inhibits the interactions of group A-streptococci and host epithelia in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:52-9.

31 Chuchalin AG, Berman B, Lehmacher W. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Explore 2005;1:437-45.

32 Bereznoy VV, Riley DS, Wassmer G, Heger M. Efficacy of extract of Pelargonium sidoides in children with acute non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus tonsillopharyngitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:68- 79.

33 Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger M. Efficacy of a Pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled clinical trial. Explore. 2007;3:573-584.

34 Bachert C, Schapowal A, Funk P, Kieser M. Treatment of acute rhinosinusitis with the preparation from Pelargonium siodoides Eps® 7630: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rhinology. 2009;47:51-58.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, the dean of academics for Huntington College of Health Sciences, is a nutritionist, herbalist, writer and educator. For more than 30 years he has educated and trained natural product retailers and health care professionals, has researched and formulated natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies, and has written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer magazines and peer-reviewed publications.

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