Recent studies on Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.: a review on chemical composition and biological activity

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. (rose geranium) is an aromatic plant widely used in traditional medicine and essential oil production. This review highlights its phytochemical diversity and pharmacological potential based on recent studies (2020–2025). The database search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The survey revealed that essential oils are dominated by citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone, while non-volatile compounds include flavonoids, phenolic, acyltartaric and acylcitric acids, and tannins. The plant’s extracts and oils demonstrate a wide range of biological activities—antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective potential as well as antidiabetic and insecticidal properties. These effects are connected to its rich secondary metabolite profile, notably flavonol glycosides, hydroxycinnamic derivatives, and terpenoids. Given its complex phytochemical profile and extensive pharmacological properties, P. graveolens shows significant promise as a source of bioactive agents for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.