Antifungal Activity of Rose-Scented Geranium (PelargoniumSpecies) Essential Oil and its Six Constituents

Rose scented Geranium (Pelargonium species) leaf oil and six of its major constituents namely citronellol, linalool, geraniol, isomenthone, geranyl formate and citronellyl formate showed fungicidal properties against Candida albicans and Crytococcus neoformans, causing common fungal infections like candidiasis and cryptococosis in human beings. In terms of antifungal activity, citronellol was the most effective followed by geraniol, isomenthone, geranyl formate and citronellyl formate. The activity of pure oil seemed to differ from the constituents. The effect was observed both at 28 and 40C indicating temperature independent activity. Probably the antifungal activity is mediated through some mechanism other than membrane disruption and inhibition of cell division. The fungicidal activity was compared well with the standard antifungal drugs. Citronellol isolated from rose-scented geranium oil, therefore, holds promise for pharmaceutical uses.