Response of Pelargonium graveolens under variance of geographical distribution

The present study evaluated the influence of habitat characteristics on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Pelargonium graveolens. Among the different sites assessed, Mahdia area showed the highest protein and fat content at 6.8% and 3.7%, respectively. Additionally, plants from the same region exhibited the highest energy value of 412.1 kcal/100g. Pelargonium originating from Kairouan region displayed elevated levels of Mg and Ca, followed by those collected from Sejnane region. Notably, the highest iron content was observed in plants harvested from Mahdia. These variations were attributed to several factors such as geographical location, altitude and average rainfall. Extract from Sejnane demonstrated the highest levels of secondary metabolites, with total phenolic content at 388 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content at 80 mg QE/g. Regarding antioxidant activity, Pelargonium graveolens from Sejnane and Kairouan, exhibited the most potent scavenging activity against DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power. These results underscored the species' potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive antioxidant compounds within its ecological niche.