A comprehensive review on traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications in the food industry of Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L'Hér. in comparison to other Pelargonium spp

It is estimated that about 80 % of the world’s population use traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Many herbs of the genus Pelargonium are used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, fever, respiratory tract infections, liver ailments, wounds, gastroenteritis, hemorrhage, kidney and bladder disorders, and other diseases. They are sources of various biologically active molecules such as volatiles like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, or non-volatile metabolites from the group of phenolics, such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This genus is rich in essential oils, which have a wide industrial application in perfumery, cosmetics, soap and cream production due to their good antioxidant potential and anti-ageing/rejuvenating properties. This review therefore contains and discusses the current scientific findings on Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L’Her. a lesser known member of the genus Pelargonium, alone and in comparison with other Pelargonium species. Studies on the composition of this particular species, as well as its biological potential and prospects for industrial use will be addressed in order to shed new light on its potential applications.