GC/MS analysis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Pelargonium graveolens

Abstract

One strategy used to discover new drugs for therapeutic use is the study of natural products. Rose Geranium, P. graveolens, is a plant that has long been used in traditional medicine for its many medicinal benefits. In this study, we present the first phytochemical study of Pelargonium graveolens cultived in Souk Ahras, Algeria. The volatile profile of the plant's leaves was analysed by GC/MS. More than 59 compounds were identified in the essential oils obtained from the leaves, representing 100% of the total oil weight. The main essential oil compounds were oxygenated monoterpenes, of which citronellol (26.69%) and geraniol (13.83%) were the main representatives. Radical neutralisation activity was measured by the DPPH method and IC50 values and the result for iron-reducing activity was from 22.93 ± 8.08 μg/mL and 18.79 ± 2.89 μg/mL (leaves) for the essential oil respectively. Considering these findings, Pelargonium graveolens essential oils have the potential to be a good source of natural antioxidants.