Chemical Composition, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Pelargonium odoratissimum Essential Oils (L.) L’Hérit

<b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>P. odoratissimum</i> has been traditionally used for its antiseptic and astringent qualities, as well as for treating burns, shingles, ulcers, and wounds. This study sought to explore the chemical profile, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties of <i>P. odoratissimum</i> essential oils extracted from different parts. <b>Methods:</b> The essential oils from fresh and dry <i>P. odoratissimum</i> leaves and twigs were extracted using a hydrodistillation method and their chemical profile was elucidated by a GC-MS. In addition, rats were used to test the essential oils' analgesic effects by submerging the tail in hot water. Paw edema caused by egg albumin was utilized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory impact of the oils; oral dosages of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were used in both biological assays. <b>Results:</b> The essential oils were found to contain forty-seven different compounds. Among these, the following compounds were some of the oil's principal compounds: 1.8-4.9% α-selinene, 0.6-5.2% γ-cadinene, 0.6-9.2% γ-selinene, 3.6-10.0% piperitone, 45.7-46.3% <i>iso</i>menthone, and 41.8-63.9% menthone. Pharmacological investigation of the essential oils revealed that even the highest dosage of 5000 mg/kg showed no acute toxicity-related deaths. The oils significantly enhanced the time of reaction in analgesic evaluation at dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Moreover, the essential oils also substantially suppressed (<i>p</i> < 0.01-0.001) the paw swelling caused by egg albumin at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dosages. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results confirmed the great potential of <i>P. odoratissimum</i> essential oils and their application in traditional medicine.