Chemical Characterization and Antidiabetic Activity of Essential Oils from Pelargonium graveolens Leaves

Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) is a source of finest quality of fragrance and its essential oils (EOs) are used as antibacterial and antifungal agent. The aim of the current research is to determine chemical constituents in EO of P. graveolens by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluate its antidiabetic activity through a-glucosidase inhibition assay. The chemical composition of P. graveolens EO was determined by GC/MS and its antidiabetic activity was assessed through inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme in in vitro models. GC-MS analysis determines 36 chemical components in the EO of P. graveolens leaves, and citronellyl isovalerate (10.41%), menthol (9.61%), linalool (8.63%), p-menthone (6.31%), and geranyl tiglate (4.99%) were recorded as major constituents. The EO of P. graveolens leaves showed concentration-dependent inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme ranging from 28.13 +/- 1.41 to 74.24 +/- 2.53% for concentration ranging from 31.25 to 1000 mu g/mL, respectively. The IC50 values for of P. graveolens and acarbose were found as 93.72 +/- 4.76 and 80.4 +/- 2.17 mu g/mL, respectively, against the alpha-glucosidase enzyme. The study finding explores the chemical components of P. graveolens growing in Iraqi Kurdistan region and scientifically supported its possible use in diabetic patients for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia.