Cranesbill

Related Terms

3-Beta-caffeoyl-12-oleanen-28-oic acid, A-type proanthocyanidins, baby keeper cream, catechins, citronellol, citrosa plant, condensed tannins, cranesbill, epiafzelechin-(4beta-->8,2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin (geranin A), epicatechin-(4beta-->8,2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin (geranin B), flavonoids, Geraniaceae, Geranium incanum Burm., Geranium maculatum, Geranium nepalense, Geranium nepalense Sweet, Geranium niveum, geranium oil, Geranium robertianum, Geranium sanguineum L., Geranium sibiricum Linn?, Geranium strictipes, Geranium sylvaticum, Geranium thunbergii, Geranium thunbergii Siebold ex Lindl. & Paxton,Geranium wallichianum, Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet, hyperin, isomenthone, linalool, mahuannin B, methyl gallate, plant volatile oils, polyphenolic acid, polyphenolic complex PC, proanthocyanidins, reynoutrin, rose geranium.
Note: Geranium is the common name for two genera, Geranium and Pelargonium, both of which are used as herbal supplements. This monograph discusses evidence regarding the use of the Geranium genus. However, many published papers do not mention genus of geranium used, which increases confusion in the field. A number of preclinical and clinical trials have studied the effects of Pelargonium.

Background

The genus Geranium includes 422 species of flowering plants found in temperate and mountainous regions in the tropics. The plant is also known as "cranesbill" because the seeds have the same shape as the bill of a crane.
Geranium and Pelargonium can be told apart by looking at their flowers, as Geranium has symmetrical flowers and Pelargonium has irregular petals. The subject of this monograph is Geranium species.
Historically, all parts of the Geranium plant were used by Native Americans to treat diarrhea, bleeding, and swelling. It has also been used in perfumes and soaps.
Geranium has been studied for its antibacterial properties and as a mosquito repellent. However, there are conflicting results.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Geraniums are garden plants commonly used to repel mosquitoes. Some studies looked at the effects of geranium essential oil when applied to the skin. However, the results were unclear, and further research is required.

 C


Geraniums are garden plants commonly used to repel mosquitoes. Some studies looked at the effects of geranium essential oil when applied to the skin. However, the results were unclear, and further research is required.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Note: Due to common use of the name "geranium" when discussing plants of the Pelargonium genus, it is unclear if some of the following historical uses are referring to Geranium or Pelargonium species. Caution is advised.
To treat diarrhea, cranesbill tea (Geranium genus) should not be used for more than 2-3 consecutive weeks. A dose of 1.5 teaspoons or three milliliters of Geranium tincture has been taken by mouth three times daily. Geranium tea prepared by boiling 1-2 teaspoons for 10-15 minutes in 500 milliliters of water has been taken by mouth in at least three cups daily. A dose of 1,200 milligrams of geranium (genus unknown) has been taken by mouth 2-3 times daily with meals, but long-term use is not suggested.
To repel insects, a single dose of geranium oil (genus unknown, although likely Pelargonium) has been applied to the skin.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Geranium may interact with agents that block nerve impulses, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrheal agents, antifungal agents, antiparasitic agents, antiviral agents, cholinesterase inhibitors (agents that treat brain disorders), and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Amaral S, Mira L, Nogueira JM, et al. Plant extracts with anti-inflammatory 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.
Barclay J, Vestey J, Lambert A, et al. Reducing the symptoms of lymphoedema: is there a role for aromatherapy? Eur J Oncol.Nurs 2006;10(2):140-149.
Calzada F, Cerda-Garcia-Rojas CM, Meckes M, et al. Geranins A and B, new antiprotozoal A-type proanthocyanidins from Geranium niveum. J Nat Prod 1999;62(5):705-709.
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 6:52-59.
Dorman HJ, Deans SG. Antimicrobial agents from plants: antibacterial activity of plant volatile oils. J Appl.Microbiol. 2000;88(2):308-316.
Govere J, Durrheim DN, Du Toit N, et al. Local plants as repellents against Anopheles arabiensis, in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Cent.Afr J Med 2000;46(8):213-216.
Guevara JM, Chumpitaz J, Valencia E. [The in vitro action of plants on Vibrio cholerae]. Rev Gastroenterol Peru 1994;14(1):27-31.
Gwynne M, Newton W. Geranium extract reduces bronchitis symptoms. J Fam Pract 2004;53(3):180-181.
Ji MS, Piao XL, Jin YL, et al. Anticoagulant 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose isolated from geranium (Pelargonium inquinans Ait). Arch Pharm Res 2005;28(9):1037-1041.
Matsuda BM, Surgeoner GA, Heal JD, et al. Essential oil analysis and field evaluation of the citrosa plant "Pelargonium citrosum" as a repellent against populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq.Control Assoc 1996;12(1):69-74.
Murzakhmetova M, Moldakarimov S, Tancheva L, et al. Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of a polyphenol-rich extract from Geranium sanguineum L. in vitro and in vivo. Phytother.Res 2008;22(6):746-751.
Paez X, Hernandez L. Topical hemostatic effect of a common ornamental plant, the geraniaceae Pelargonium zonale. J Clin Pharmacol 2003;43(3):291-295.
Schelz Z, Molnar J, Hohmann J. Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia 2006;77(4):279-285.
Shim JU, Lim KT. Antioxidative activity of glycoprotein isolated from Geranium sibiricum Linne. Nat Prod Res 2009;23(4):375-387.
Zuo GY, Wang GC, Zhao YB, et al. 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.