Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Geranium Robertianum L. Essential Oil.

Geranium robertianum L. (Geraniaceae), is known as Herb Robert, Red Robin and Storksbill. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa. G. robertianum is an annual or biennial plant, with the strong scent. In traditional herbalism Herb Robert was used for the treatment of wounds, ulcers and diarrhea and as a remedy for toothache and nosebleeds (1, 2). The active compounds identified in Geranium robertianum are tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oil and vitamins (A, C). The essential oil showed antiplasmid effect, antioxidant activity, astringent, antibleeding, diuretic and antiseptic properties (1). Among 161 medicinal plants applied in ethnopharmacology, traditionally used in the South-West of Romania, infusion of G. robertianum aerial parts have antihypertensive, astringent, depurative, and antiseptic activity (3). The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition of essential oil of Geranium robertianum and assessment its antibacterial properties. Microbiological activity was tested against human, animal, and plant pathogens.