Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Plant Sciences and Technologies Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 40-49)

ABSTRACT
Pelargonium is one of the seven genera belonging to the Geraniaceae family and
includes almost 280 species mainly coming from South Africa. Pelargonium
graveolens is a species in the Pelargonium genus with a valuable source of biologically
active compounds. Pelargonium graveolens is an Aromatic and Medicine plant that
can be a profitable crop for farmers. The world population relies on plant-based
traditional systems of medicine for their primary health care. With the emerging
worldwide interest in adopting and studying traditional systems, it is essential to
explore the potential of plant-based healthcare systems. A number of herbs belonging
to the genus Pelargonium are noted for their medicinal benefits in traditional systems
of medicine. A lot of medicinally important attributes have been assigned to the plants
of Pelargonium species. They are rich sources of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes,
coumarins, tannins, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, flavones, flavonoids, and flavonols
derivatives. Pelargonium-derived essential oil is used in perfumery, cosmetics, soaps,
creams, and aromatherapy products exhibits good antioxidant activity, and has
potential immune-modulating effects with no natural killer cells. The present study
describes the chemical composition of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil. The
essential oil profile was determined by GC and GC-MS. The main compounds were
citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate, and linalool. These compounds have many
applications in different industries especially in the medicine sector.
Keywords: Aromatic and Medicine Plant, Essential Oil, GC-MS, Pelargonium
graveolens.