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An alternative hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent: the Geranium
Abstract
Background: The Geranium genus is taxonomically classified within the family Geraniaceae Juss, which includes 5-11 genera and nearly 750
species in total. The best-known genera of this family are Geranium, consisting largely of wild plants, and Pelargonium, consisting largely of
ornamental plants. Traditional uses include as an antiseptic in wounds and as an antipyretic by infusion of the plant.
Methods: This paper summarized previous and recent reports of the hepato-protective activities of Geranium genus used in traditional medicine.
Results: Currently, eight different species of geraniums belonging to the family Geraniaceae have been identified in Hidalgo State in Central
Mexico, and no chemical or pharmacological studies have been carried out in any of these eight species. All phytochemical studies on these species indicate the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including tannins, which are characterized as water-soluble compounds with molecular weights between 500 and 30,000 g/mol.
Conclusion: These and other compounds warrant the exploration of the Germanium genus for uses related to ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.
Key words: Geranium, Polyphenolic compounds, Tannins, Ethanol.
