Safety and Efficacy of Geraniol in Gastrointestinal System

Geraniol, a naturally occurring acyclic isoprenoid, is found in the volatile oils of plants like lemongrass and rose. It is widely used in cosmetics, household products, and pharmaceuticals, because of its low toxicity and environmentally friendly profile. Recent studies, however, have unveiled its significant potential in the medical field, particularly in treating gastrointestinal disorders and cancer cells. This narrative review explores the safety and efficacy of geraniol in managing various gastrointestinal disorders, including potential colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver malignancies. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo research demonstrates that geraniol exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects, modulating key molecular pathways and improving clinical outcomes. Notably, geraniol’s favorable safety profile, characterized by low toxicity and general recognition as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration, underscores its promise as a therapeutic agent. This review synthesizes findings from 83 peer-reviewed articles, providing a holistic overview of geraniol’s mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, and potential for integration into conventional treatment protocols for gastrointestinal disorders.