Comparative investigations of the essential oils of two scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.) cultivars grown on Reunion Island

Abstract

The essential oils of two scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.) cultivars grown on Reunion Island were investigated by GC-MS. The specific odour attributes of each single constituent were correlated with the olfactory impression of the two essential oils. The scent of the essential oil extracted from the well-known rose-scented geranium cultivar, Pelargonium cv. Rosé, is based on the rosy, fruity, minty and faintly citrusy aromas of the main components, citronellol (21.9%), geraniol (18.3%), linalool (16.0%), citronellyl formate (11.6%) and isomenthone (7.6%), accompanied by minor compounds of olfactory significance, including geranyl formate (4.0%), nerol (1.7%), geranyl tiglate (1.6%) and neryl propanoate (1.5%) in particular. The volatile constituents of the essential oil of a second geranium cultivar (Pelargonium sp.) are dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, of which the most abundant is p-cymene (35.8%). This oil possesses a very unusual, although very pleasant, 'citrusy-peppery-spicy' and herbaceous scent, somewhat pungent, which is rather reminiscent of thyme. Chemotaxonomic considerations about the genus Pelargonium are also discussed.

Insecticidal and biting deterrent activity of rose-scented geranium (Pelargoniumspp.) essential oils and individual compounds againstStephanitis pyrioidesandAedes aegypti

“…Citronellol (C) was found to be the major component of commercial geranium oils and was double the quantity of geraniol (G) (C:G ratio ≈ 2:1). Typically, the essential oil of ‘China’ would be expected to have a C:G ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, and ‘Bourbon’ or ‘Egypt’ essential oils a ratio closer to 1:1 . In the present study, linalool, citronellyl formate, isomenthone and geranyl formate were present in lesser amounts.…”

Chemical composition, biological activities and DNA damage protective effect of Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. essential oils at different phenological stages

“…The genus Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) contains a large number of species with scented leaves of various odors, ranging from pleasantly or floral to rather oppressively balsamic fruity (Gauvin et al, 2004). Pelargonium derived essential oil is used in cosmetics, perfumery, soaps, creams, aromatherapy products exhibited high antioxidant activity and had potential immune modulating effects (Saraswathi et al, 2011).…”

Aromatic Plants from Reunion Island (France)

“…(Figure 32.2), were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, of which the most abundant is p-cymene (35.8%). This oil had a very unusual, although very pleasant, 'citrusy-peppery-spicy' and herbaceous scent, somewhat pungent, and rather reminiscent of thyme (Gauvin et al, 2004a).…”