Botanical Name
Geranium albanum
Family Name
Geraniaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/214
Vernacular Names
- English: Albanian Cranesbill
- Hindi: Not commonly used in traditional Indian medicine
- Other Regional Names: Not documented in classical Indian texts
Habitat & Distribution
Native to the Caucasus region (including Albania and parts of Central Asia); occasionally cultivated in temperate gardens for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Morphology
- Plant: Perennial herb, clump-forming
- Leaves: Deeply lobed, rounded, green with slight serration
- Flowers: Pink to lavender, five-petaled, with darker veins
- Roots: Fibrous root system
Varieties
Not classically described. Closely related species include Geranium macrorrhizum and Geranium robertianum.
Substitute/Adulterant
Occasionally confused with Geranium robertianum or other cranesbill species.
Phytochemicals
Tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid), essential oils, geraniin
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses
External
- Leaf poultice used for wounds, inflammation, and bruising
- Infused oil used in skin irritations and rashes
Internal
- Astringent action helps in diarrhea and dysentery
- Decoction used for sore throats, internal bleeding, and gastrointestinal irritation
- Mild febrifuge and anti-inflammatory
Part Used
Leaves, Roots, Aerial parts
Dose
- Churna (Powder): 1–2 g
- Decoction: 30–50 ml
- Infusion: 100 ml (as tea)
Yoga / Formulations
Used in modern herbal blends and teas for gastrointestinal and wound-healing purposes; not part of classical Ayurvedic yogas.
IUCN Status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Research Updates
- Astringent and wound-healing effects: Studies on Geranium species, including G. albanum, have shown tannin-rich extracts to promote hemostasis and rapid epithelial tissue regeneration.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity: Flavonoid-rich fractions have been found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in in vitro models, indicating potential in inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Antimicrobial properties: Extracts have demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and fungal strains, supporting its traditional use in treating wounds and infections.
