Common names  |  Cranesbill, Wild geranium, Spotted geranium 

Scientific name  |  Geranium maculatum
Used part  |  Root

Known active compounds  |  gallic acid, methyl gallate, pusilagin

Potential benefits in cosmetics  |  anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial 

Product name  |  Cranesbill-ANB

 

Plant Story

Geranium maculatum is a perennial plant native to eastern North America. It is commonly called wild geranium or spotted geranium, and also known in Europe as cranesbill or spotted cranesbill. Native Americans used dried wild geranium roots on open wounds to promote coagulation. They also used the decoction of roots as a mouthwash for children to treat thrush. It was consumed as a tea to treat sore throat, mouth ulcers, and toothache while the poultice of root was applied to burns. The roots of G. maculatum contain high level of tannins, which contribute to its astringent property.

 

Geranium species are well known for its polyphenolic contents and a study investigated their anti-oxidant capacities and their active constituents. According to the results, pusilagin is one of the major compounds found in all tested extracts. The study also indicates that gallic acid derivatives are important compounds for the bioactivities of Geranium species. Another study testing cranesbill (G. maculatum) showed anti-bacterial activities against E. Coli O157.