Assessment of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and in vivo topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy as treatment for atopic dermatitis

A multidimensional analysis was conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae) in managing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory propertis of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil (PFEO) was investigated. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of PFEO on key enzymes involved in skin repair, namely tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase, were examined. Furthermore, the atopic anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy of a gel formulation containing PFEO was evaluated in vivo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of PFEO revealed predominant compounds including Geraniol (22.83%), beta-citronellol (19.51%), naphthalenemethanol (15.36%), and Geranyl tiglate (9.38%), along with minor constituents such as linalool (3.81%) and neryl formate (1.31%). PFEO exhibited bac-teriostatic activity against a spectrum of bacterial and fungal strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candidas albicans, and Malassezia spp. Moreover, PFEO demonstrated antioxidant properties and displayed potential in skin repair due to its ability to inhibit key enzymes involved in skin alteration associated with atopic dermatitis, as well as analgesic effects alleviating pain. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity were demonstrated, further underscoring the therapeutic potential of PFEO for managing atopic dermatitis symptoms.