Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), particularly the essential oil derived from its leaves and flowers, has demonstrated some antifungal properties in laboratory settings. Several in vitro studies have shown that geranium oil can inhibit the growth of various fungal species, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus species. The antifungal activity is primarily attributed to components such as geraniol, citronellol, and linalool, which can disrupt fungal cell membranes and interfere with their metabolic processes.

For example, research published in Letters in Applied Microbiology (2004) found that geranium oil exerted inhibitory effects against Candida albicans and other pathogenic fungi, suggesting potential as a topical antifungal agent. However, these findings are based mostly on laboratory (in vitro) experiments, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans to confirm efficacy and safety for treating fungal infections. As a result, while the scientific evidence points to potential benefits, it is preliminary, and geranium oil is not a first-line treatment for fungal infections in mainstream medicine.

In summary, there is scientific rationale for the use of geranium in managing fungal infections based on laboratory studies. However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is limited (rated 2/5), and more research, especially human clinical trials, is needed before it can be recommended as a standard therapy.

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