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Geranium

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  • 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.
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  2. 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. View Abstract
  3. 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. View Abstract
  4. 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. View Abstract
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  6. 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. View Abstract
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  8. Gwynne M, Newton W. Geranium extract reduces bronchitis symptoms. J Fam Pract 2004;53(3):180-181. View Abstract
  9. 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. View Abstract
  10. 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. View Abstract
  11. 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. View Abstract
  12. Paez X, Hernandez L. Topical hemostatic effect of a common ornamental plant, the geraniaceae Pelargonium zonale. J Clin Pharmacol 2003;43(3):291-295. View Abstract
  13. Schelz Z, Molnar J, Hohmann J. Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia 2006;77(4):279-285. View Abstract
  14. Shim JU, Lim KT. Antioxidative activity of glycoprotein isolated from Geranium sibiricum Linne. Nat Prod Res 2009;23(4):375-387. View Abstract
  15. 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. View Abstract