The spasmolytic activity of the essential oils of scentedPelargoniums (Geraniaceae)

A selection of essential oils obtained by steam distillation from scented-leaf Pelargonium species, hybrids and cultivars were assessed for their pharmacological activity using guinea-pig ileum in vitro. All the essential oils tested were spasmolytic. Their relative spasmolytic activity was related to the yield obtained from the leaves. The pharmacological activity was comparable to that of commercial geranium oils. The mechanism of action was postsynaptic and not atropine-like. Different Pelargonium oils could be exploited for their antispasmodic and possibly other functions.