Geraniol, also called rhodinol, is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol. It is the primary part of oil-of-rose and palmarosa oil.
Contents
Uses
Research has shown geraniol to be an effective plant-based mosquito repellent. On the other hand, it can attract bees as it is produced by the scent glands of honey bees to help them mark nectar-bearing flowers and locate the entrances to their hives.
Although geraniol and other flavor compounds are found naturally in well-aged tobacco, geraniol is listed in a 1994 report from cigarette companies as one of the 599 additives to cigarettes to improve their flavor
Benefits
Geraniol is a natural antioxidant. Geraniol has been suggested to help prevent cancer. Carnesecchi S. et al demonstrated in his study “Geraniol, a component of Plant Essential Oils, Inhibits Grwoth and Polyamine Biosyntehsis in Human Colon Cancer Cells”, (Pharmacology, July 2001) that geraniol caused a 50% increase of ornithine decarboxylase activity, which is enhances during cancer growth. Geraniol inhibits DNA synthesis.
Burk YD concluded in his study “Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Growth by the dietary isoprenoids farnesol and geraniol” (Lipids, February 1997) that geraniol, farnesol and perilll alcohol suppress pancreatic tumor growth.
Other animal studies have also demonstrated the anticancer effects of geraniol.
Cautions
Geraniol is classified as D2B (Toxic materials causing other effects) using the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Geraniol is considered a severe eye (and moderate skin) irritant
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
rhodinol
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geraniol
Phytochemicals, http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/geraniol.php
Zhion, http://www.zhion.com/phytonutrients/Geraniol.html