• Geranium
  • Geranium

Geranium

  • Scientific Name
    Pelargonium graveolens
  • Family
    Geraniaceae
  • Origin
    Egypt, France, Morroco, Chinaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Geraniums, belonging to the Geraniaceae family, are perennial herbs that reach a height of around 50 cm. The flowers are pale pink and the leaves are uniquely shaped like a crown daisy and covered with glandular hairs. These glandular hairs secrete a strong and delightful fragrance akin to roses, leading to the common name “rose geranium.” The name “geranium” itself originates from the historical classification of this plant within the Geranium genus. Due to their ability to easily interbreed, there are believed to be as many as 600 different “species” of geraniums.
Historically, geraniums were first cultivated for their fragrance around 1820 in the Grasse region of southern France. Subsequently, their cultivation became widespread on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

Essential oil composition

Granium

  • Granium

  • INCI
    PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS OIL
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Whole Plant
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.15%
  • Notes
    Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Floral

Granium Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 0.15% of Geranium essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the whole plant and has a light yellow to deep, dark yellowish color. The primary constituents of Geranium essential oil include geraniol, abundant in roses, as well as linalool and citronellol, both known for their relaxing properties, contributing to the oil's refreshing sweetness.
Historically, Geranium was used in fougere fragrances, but its application has evolved, and it is now commonly found in transparent floral notes. Its fragrance is characterized by a rich, mellow, rose-like sweetness, complemented by a greenish calmness that isn't overpowering and gently envelops the senses. This aroma is popular among women, but its subtle green tones also make it a favorite choice among men. Given its potent scent, it is advisable to maintain a balanced blend, ensuring not to overpower by using excessive amounts.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Citronellol　34.12%
  • Geraniol　15.36%
  • Linalool　9.33%
  • Citronellyl formate　9.25%
  • iso-Menthone　5.57%
  • Geranyl formate　3.71%
  • Guaia-6,9-diene　1.48%
  • Geranyl iso-butyrate　1.02%
  • Other components　20.16％

Functions and Efficacies

Geraniol

Geraniol
  • IUPAC Name
    (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C15H26O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    106-24-1
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. 2) Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.3)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．4)

  • 1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
  • 2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
  • 3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
  • 4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Linalool

Linalool
  • IUPAC Name
    3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H18O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    78-70-6
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Stress Reduction ○ ○
Anti-oxidant Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. 1)

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.2) Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.3) Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.4)5)6)

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.7)

  • 1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
  • 2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
  • 3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
  • 4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
  • 5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
  • 6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
  • 7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

IFRA

Citronellol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential to cause dermal sensitization.

Citronellol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Geraniol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Geraniol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Linalool：
Oxidized linalool can cause dermal sensitization. For essential oils with a high linalool content, it is advisable to use only when the level of peroxides is maintained at a minimum (20 mol/l) through the incorporation of antioxidants.

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
International Fragrance Association, Citronellol, 2020.
International Fragrance Association, Geraniol, 2023.
International Fragrance Association, Linalool, 2004.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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