Mallow

Mallow (Malva sylvestris L.): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Botanical Description

1.1 Nomenclature

Malva sylvestris L., commonly named mallow (family Malvaceae), is a robust herbaceous plant with shallowly lobed leaves and purple flowers, native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia, growing throughout the Mediterranean basin. The genus name derives from a classical word for soft or soothing: the name "Mallow" traces back to the Latin term malva, which is derived from the Greek word malache, meaning "soft," reflecting both the texture of the leaves and the gentle qualities associated with the plant. The species name sylvestris translates to "of the woods," hinting at its natural habitats.

Malva sylvestris is the type species of the mallow genus Malva. Known as common mallow to English-speaking Europeans, it acquired the common names of cheeses, high mallow, and tall mallow (mauve des bois in French) as it migrated from its native home in Western Europe, North Africa, and Asia through the English-speaking world. Other documented common names include round dock, high mallow, fairy cheeses, lady's cheese, and truckles of cheese.

M. sylvestris belongs to class Equisetopsida, subclass Magnoliidae, superorder Rosanae, order Malvales, family Malvaceae, and genus Malva. A closely related species used interchangeably for medicinal purposes is Malva neglecta (neglected mallow), also distributed in the same regions and also used as a source of leaves for medical purposes.

1.2 Morphology and Distribution

Common mallow is a herbaceous perennial with an erect or decumbent branched stem up to 1.5 metres tall. The minutely ridged stems are covered with fine soft hairs, sometimes with a slightly bulbous base. Long-stalked, 5-petaled, bright rose-purple flowers with darker stripes along the petals bloom singly or in 3–5 flowered axillary clusters throughout summer (June to August/September). As the flower petals drop, a small, rounded, disc-shaped fruit (10–20 sections) begins to develop, purportedly resembling the shape of a miniature cheese wheel.

M. sylvestris spreads itself on waste and rough ground, by roads and railways throughout lowland England, Wales, and the Channel Islands, Siberia, and scattered elsewhere. One of the major areas in which it grows is northeast and central Iran. It is also found in North Africa and grows as a biennial in the Mediterranean; it grows as a perennial elsewhere. It has been introduced to and has become naturalised in eastern Australia, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

1.3 Common Forms and Preparations

Roots, shoots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds are applied in infusions, decoctions, poultices, liniments, lotions, baths, and gargles. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) HMPC conclusions cover mallow leaf preparations obtained by drying and comminuting the leaves; herbal medicines containing this preparation are usually available as herbal tea and in liquid forms taken by mouth or applied to the oromucosal surface. Commercial tea products are the primary dosage forms of mallow. Topical formulations including creams containing mallow flower or leaf extracts have also been used in clinical settings. Fluid extracts of M. sylvestris leaves and flowers are used to treat inflammatory diseases of mucous membranes, cystitis, and diarrhea; the plant derives its therapeutic properties from mucilage and flavonoids located in the flowers and leaves.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Ancient Greco-Roman and Mediterranean Traditions

The Greeks and Romans claimed mallow's emollient and laxative properties, and several ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Europe highlight the potential of this neglected local resource. In ancient times, the plant was used by the Greeks and Romans for its emollient and laxative properties. In current medical practice, M. sylvestris is used in a variety of inflammatory conditions.

Among the numerous species used in traditional medicine, the Malvaceae family is more prominent due to its diverse applications, and its consumption can be traced back to 3000 years ago. The medicinal use of Malva sylvestris leaves and flowers has been documented continuously in several pharmacopoeias; the first information about mallow flowers in Poland is included in the Materia Pharmaceutica of the 1st Polish Pharmacopoeia: Pharmacopoeia Regni Poloniae, Varsoviae (1817).

2.2 Mediterranean and European Folk Medicine

In the Mediterranean region, this species has a long history of use as food, and due to its therapeutic relevance, some parts of this plant have been employed in traditional and ethnoveterinary medicines. The medicinal applications of common mallow in traditional practice treat specified disorders of several systems of the body, including the digestive system. Malva sylvestris is widely used in Mediterranean and European traditional medicine and ethnoveterinary for the treatment of external and internal inflammation, as well as injuries.

Besides use in inflammation of the mouth and throat, when applied as infusions, decoctions, herbal tea, or a gargle, cutaneous use for treatment of cuts, infected wounds, and skin burns in the form of poultices and lotions is described in literature. Herbal tea of leaves and flowers is used orally in common cold, dry cough, croakiness, cough, pulmonary ailments, gastrointestinal spasms, and painful urination.

2.3 Middle Eastern, Persian, and South Asian Traditions

Malva sylvestris is one of the medicinal plants commonly recognized as common mallow in Europe, Iran, Pakistan, and India. M. sylvestris is a medicinal plant that is used as a remedy for eczema in traditional Persian medicine. Traditionally, the plant has been used to treat various ailments, such as coughs, colds, diarrhoea, dysentery, hypertension, and skin diseases.

2.4 As a Food Plant

The young leaves and shoots are edible raw or cooked. M. sylvestris has traditionally been used around the world as a wild food plant, from the Mediterranean and Middle East, including Palestine and Italy, to the Caucasus. In the Mediterranean area, young leaves and stems are eaten in soups and salads, either raw or as cooked vegetables.

3. Key Phytochemical Constituents

3.1 Mucilaginous Polysaccharides

Like its close relative marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), mallow leaves and flowers contain high amounts of mucilage. High molecular weight acidic polysaccharides (HMWAPs) were isolated from the mucilages of leaves and flowers of Malva sylvestris. The molecular weight of all HMWAPs was in a range of 1.3 to 1.6 × 10⁶ D. HMWAPs were found to be composed mainly of glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, rhamnose, and galactose. High molecular weight acid polysaccharides appear to be responsible for the viscosity and the increase of the swelling index in aqueous solutions. The mucilages contain trehalose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic and glucuronic acid, and other components including raffinose, fucose, xylose, arabinose, and uronic acid.

3.2 Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds

In the leaves, gossypetin 3-sulphate-8-O-β-d-glucoside (gossypin) and hypolaetin 3′-sulphate were identified as the major flavonoid constituents, followed by hypolaetin 8-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside and isoscutellarein 8-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside. Phenolics were the principal antioxidant phytochemicals across all plant parts, with the leaf methanolic extract presenting the superior content in phenolics (386.45 mg g⁻¹ of extract), flavonoids (210.81 mg g⁻¹), and carotenoids (0.19 mg g⁻¹), as well as unsaturated fatty acids and minerals.

3.3 Anthocyanins

M. sylvestris contains malvin and malonylmalvin (anthocyanins). It also contains the naphthoquinone malvone A, which is also a phytoalexin. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of M. sylvestris showed the presence of polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, malvin, malvidin 3-(6″-malonylglucoside)-5-glucoside, malvone A (2-methyl-3-methoxy-5,6-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), malvaline, scopoletin, polyphenols, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and tannins.

3.4 Terpenoids and Additional Compounds

Terpenoids such as sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and monoterpenes have been reported in M. sylvestris. M. sylvestris contains polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, anthocyanidines, naphthoquinones, flavonoids, mucilaginous polysaccharides, tetrahydroxylated linear diterpene, monoterpenes, and phenol derivatives. Malva extract contains different compounds including phenolic derivatives, flavonoids, terpenoids, catalase enzymes, sulfite oxidase, fatty acids, and certain sterols — specifically essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 — as well as beta carotene and vitamins C and E, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

3.5 Comparative Phytochemical Content by Plant Part

In a study involving the nutraceutical potential of extracts, total flavonoids were 210.8, 46.6, 25.4, and 143.4 mg/g in the leaves, flowers, immature fruits, and flowered stems, respectively. The leaves are the richest in flavonoids, which explains their prominent therapeutic properties in traditional medicine.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Demulcent and Mucosal Protective Activity

Mallow leaves and flowers contain high amounts of mucilage. Mucilage, made up of complex carbohydrates, gives mallow most of its soothing activity, though flavonoids and anthocyanidins also contribute. The mucilage forms a protective film over irritated mucosal surfaces of the throat, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract — a mechanism that underpins its traditional use for coughs and pharyngeal irritation.

4.2 Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

Research indicates that M. sylvestris produces a reduction of inflammatory mediators after treatment with leaf crude extracts (50 μg/mL), with results suggesting that the species possesses anti-inflammatory properties related to the inhibition of prostanoid production. The polysaccharides present in mallow mucilage may be the active ingredients against inflammation.

In a pre-clinical study, topical application of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. sylvestris reduced oedema, leukocyte migration (mono- and polymorphonuclear cells), and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the extract did not involve the glucocorticoid system.

4.3 Anticomplementary Activity

In test tube studies, one carbohydrate in mallow has been shown to inhibit a component of the immune system known as the complement cascade. Excessive activation of the complement cascade has been implicated in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders.

4.4 Antioxidant Mechanisms

Many medicinal plants are known to possess antioxidant and radical scavenging properties thanks to the presence of flavonoids. These properties were confirmed in Malva sylvestris by two separate methods: the Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the Nitroblue Tetrazolium reduction assay. As antioxidants, the flavonoids inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by various prooxidants in liver homogenates, microsomes, mitochondria, and liposomes. These properties are related to the ability of flavonoids to chelate metal ions and to scavenge singlet oxygen, superoxide anions, peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite.

4.5 Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition

Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), also named human macrophage elastase, was inhibited by water extract of M. sylvestris flower in a dose-dependent manner. Concentrations as low as 0.6% resulted in approximately 23% reduction in MMP-12 activity, while 5% of extract inhibited MMP-12 activity by 80%. This shows that M. sylvestris flower water extract can protect elastin fibers from damage and degradation.

5. Scientific Evidence by Health Area

5.1 Oral and Pharyngeal Irritation / Dry Cough (Regulatory Recognition)

Limited clinical trial data consist mostly of studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant for skin, oral, and pharyngeal conditions. Despite the lack of clinical data, the German Commission E approved mallow for treating irritation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa, as well as for dry cough. The European Medicines Agency HMPC classifies mallow leaf as a traditional herbal medicinal product used as a demulcent preparation for the symptomatic treatment of oral or pharyngeal irritation and associated dry cough.

In its assessment, the HMPC considered studies in laboratory tests showing cough reduction and anti-inflammatory effects of mallow flower preparations. The HMPC noted the lack of studies with mallow flower in patients. The approval is therefore based on traditional use and plausibility of action, not on prospective controlled clinical trials specifically evaluating mallow for these endpoints. The strength of evidence for this indication is low-to-moderate, resting on regulatory recognition from traditional use with corroborating in vitro and animal data.

5.2 Skin Inflammation and Atopic Dermatitis

Earlier studies showed that Malva sylvestris L. has anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated by acute animal models of skin inflammation. Investigations aimed to verify the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of M. sylvestris on the chronic inflammatory and hyperproliferative response caused by multiple applications of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on mouse ears. Topical application of the extract reduced oedema, leukocyte migration, and keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and proved to be effective as an anti-psoriatic therapy with the ability to prevent keratinocyte hyperproliferation and with low toxicity by topical application.

One small randomized clinical trial provides direct human evidence for dermatological use: atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory pruritic dermatologic disease in children, and M. sylvestris is a medicinal plant used as a remedy for eczema in traditional Persian medicine. Fifty-one children with AD were randomly enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. They were treated by topical cream of M. sylvestris extract or placebo for a palm-sized surface (single fingertip unit, twice daily) for 4 weeks. The SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score was set as the primary outcome measure. There was a significant improvement in the severity of participants' dermatitis regarding skin thickening score, redness score, and total SCORAD score in the M. sylvestris group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.009, P = 0.01, and P = 0.03, respectively). The study concluded that the topical use of M. sylvestris extract cream was effective in the reduction of AD symptoms in children. This is a single small trial and independent replication is required before strong conclusions can be drawn.

The dermal irritation and sensitization potential of a product containing 0.0125% Malva sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract was evaluated in a human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT) using 101 subjects. Nine occlusive induction applications of 20 µl were applied to the back under Finn chambers over 3 weeks. After a 2-week non-treatment period, a 48-hour occlusive challenge application was made. One adverse event was reported, which was unrelated to the test article. The test article was determined to not be a dermal irritant or sensitizer.

5.3 Wound Healing and Episiotomy

Pre-clinical (animal) data are generally supportive of wound-healing activity, but the only published randomized controlled trial in humans produced a negative result. A study aimed to assess the effect of Malva sylvestris cream on episiotomy pain and healing in a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at a hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. Sixty women were selected and randomly assigned to control and intervention groups using block randomization. The main outcomes included pain assessment (Visual Analog Scale) and episiotomy wound healing assessed by the REEDA scale (redness, edema, ecchymosis/bruising, discharge, approximation). The cream was used twice a day for up to 14 days. Despite showing positive effects on wound healing in animal and in vitro studies, this clinical study failed to show a positive effect of the extract on wound healing and pain relief of episiotomy. Future clinical trials are needed to substantiate findings. The evidence for wound healing in humans is therefore currently insufficient.

5.4 Gastrointestinal Applications

Constipation:

A consumer-based survey enrolled 56 healthy participants who took a food supplement containing a chemically characterized M. sylvestris extract at a dose of 20 mL/day (containing 750 mg of M. sylvestris extract rich in food fiber and polyphenols) for 20 days on the advice of their pharmacist. The study evaluated bowel movement frequency (intestinal diary), stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale), and abdominal pain (Visual Analogue Scale) at baseline, after 10 days, and after 20 days. A significant increase in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency (p < 0.001) with a significant decrease in abdominal pain (p < 0.001) was observed. This was a questionnaire-based survey without a placebo arm, limiting its evidential weight.

Colitis (Animal Data):

Colitis was induced by rectal instillation of acetic acid solution in rats. Rats in different groups received aqueous, n-hexane, or ethanolic fractions of the plant before induction of colitis, and isolated polysaccharide was tested in two groups before and after induction. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation showed that the aqueous fraction was very effective in preventing the inflammation, and efficacy was lower for ethanolic and n-hexane fractions. Polysaccharide was effective in reducing signs of inflammation, especially as pretreatment. This evidence is from animal models only; no human clinical trials for colitis have been published.

5.5 Antimicrobial Activity

Methanolic extracts from the leaves of M. sylvestris exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Erwinia carotovora with MICs ranging from 35 to 37 µg/mL, and the flowers showed activity against Escherichia coli with a MIC of 31 µg/mL. All antimicrobial evidence to date is from in vitro studies; no controlled clinical trials evaluating mallow's antimicrobial efficacy in humans have been published.

5.6 Anticancer Activity (Preclinical Only)

In a preclinical study, two human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Caco-2) were treated with an extract obtained from M. sylvestris flowers (MFE). MTT and Trypan blue assays demonstrated that MFE reduced tumour cell growth without causing significant cytotoxicity or apoptosis. Wound assay and transwell tests documented that MFE was also able to reduce cell motility and invasiveness. In both cell lines, qPCR experiments demonstrated that MFE caused the over-expression of factors such as VIMENTIN and E-CADHERIN, which negatively influence epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colon cancers. However, the effects of MFE appeared to be time-, dose-, and cell type-dependent. This evidence is entirely in vitro and cannot be extrapolated to clinical anticancer effects in humans.

5.7 Hepatoprotective and Renoprotective Activity (Animal Data)

The protective effect of the common mallow (Malva sylvestris) decoction on renal damage in rats induced by ammonium metavanadate poisoning was evaluated. Extensive research shows that this plant, with different chemical compounds, can minimize liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride in animal models. These findings are from animal experiments and have not been confirmed in human clinical trials.

5.8 Lipid Modulation (Animal Data)

One study in rats investigated the effects of anthocyanin from M. sylvestris on plasma lipids. Decreases in total cholesterol (20%) and triglycerides (34%) were found. This evidence is from animal models only.

6. Pharmacopeial and Regulatory Status

Botanical descriptions of M. sylvestris can be found in official references such as the Brazilian, Helvetic, British, and European Pharmacopoeias. Both mallow leaf and flower preparations are approved by the German Commission E for relief of sore throats and dry coughs. Mallow is typically used as a tea or gargle for these indications. At the European level, the EMA HMPC has adopted formal herbal monographs covering mallow leaf (Malvae folium) from M. sylvestris L. and/or M. neglecta Wallr., and mallow flower (Malvae sylvestris flos) from M. sylvestris L. The EMA has acknowledged that Malva sylvestris is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and that its traditional use has been documented since a long time ago, although little clinical evidence is available.

7. Dosage Forms and Doses Reported in Sources

The following doses are as reported in official regulatory documents and published studies; they should not be interpreted as prescriptive recommendations.

• EMA/HMPC Monograph — Mallow leaf (oral/oromucosal tea): Herbal tea: 1–2 g of the comminuted herbal substance in 250 ml of boiling water as an herbal infusion or in 250 ml of water as a decoction, 2–3 times daily. Average daily dose: 5 g.
• EMA/HMPC Monograph — Mallow flower (oromucosal use): Herbal tea: 1.8 g of the comminuted herbal substance in 150 ml of boiling water as a herbal infusion or in 150 ml of water as a decoction, 3 times daily. Daily dose: 5.4 g.
• Traditional preparation guidance (PeaceHealth/German Commission E): Mallow leaf and flower preparations are most commonly consumed as teas: boil 2 to 4 teaspoons of the dried leaves or flowers in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Constipation study (food supplement): A dose of 20 mL/day containing 750 mg of M. sylvestris extract rich in food fiber and polyphenols was used for 20 days.
• Atopic dermatitis trial (topical): Topical cream applied at a palm-sized surface (single fingertip unit), twice daily, for 4 weeks.
• Episiotomy trial (topical cream): The cream was used twice a day for up to 14 days.
• EMA note on use in children: The use in children under 12 years of age has not been established due to lack of adequate data.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

8.1 General Safety Profile

Malva sylvestris has been shown to be safe when used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, cold, diarrhoea, and constipation. No serious adverse reactions were reported in 2 clinical trials reviewed. No toxicity studies could be found. More clinical studies are needed to assess this plant's safety and efficacy in treating other conditions. Further research is also necessary to determine whether there are any toxicological consequences to consuming large doses of Malva sylvestris extracts or nanoparticles over a long period.

8.2 Reported Adverse Events

A notable safety signal exists in the published literature in the form of a case report: Aktaş B, Coban S, Başar O et al. described fulminant liver failure and renal failure related with Malva sylvestris, reported in Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology (2014;25(4):437). This is a single case report and causality has not been formally established, but it warrants attention in any assessment of hepatic risk.

8.3 Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity to the active substance is listed as a contraindication in the EMA HMPC monograph. The monograph also specifies that if dyspnoea, fever, or purulent sputum occurs during use, a qualified health care practitioner should be consulted. No drug interactions are known according to the EMA monograph.

8.4 Blood Glucose

Animal studies document that the plant may lower blood sugar levels; thus, use with caution is warranted in patients with diabetes or in those sensitive to changes in blood glucose levels.

8.5 Mucilage and Drug Absorption

Like its close relative marshmallow, mallow contains high amounts of mucilage made up of complex carbohydrates. Because mucilage can coat the gastrointestinal mucosa and slow absorption, a theoretical potential exists for mucilage-containing preparations to delay or reduce the absorption of orally co-administered drugs, though this interaction has not been specifically documented for M. sylvestris in controlled studies.

8.6 Pregnancy and Lactation

There is no clinical evidence to support the safe use of the herb during pregnancy and lactation. No fertility data are available according to the EMA monograph.

8.7 Use in Children

The use in children under 12 years of age has not been established due to lack of adequate data per the EMA HMPC monograph, despite an individual clinical trial having enrolled pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

9. Overall Evidence Assessment

A complete review involving the ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of M. sylvestris has provided evidence that M. sylvestris has potential use as a medicinal plant and has highlighted a need for more studies involving clinical and toxicological aspects of its use. Malva sylvestris is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and its traditional use has been documented since a long time ago, although little clinical evidence is available.

In summary, the strongest evidentiary basis for mallow's use rests on: (1) regulatory recognition by both the German Commission E and the EMA HMPC for oral/pharyngeal demulcency, grounded in longstanding traditional use and mechanistically plausible mucilage activity; (2) a small positive randomized controlled trial for topical use in pediatric atopic dermatitis; and (3) a positive but uncontrolled survey study for constipation. Preclinical evidence (animal and in vitro) supports a range of additional activities — antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive — but human clinical data for these indications are either absent or insufficient to draw conclusions. The overall body of human clinical evidence is characterized by small sample sizes, heterogeneous preparations, and limited independent replication.

References

• Gasparetto JC et al. Ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of Malva sylvestris L.: a millennial herbal medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;64:172–189. PubMed
• Mousavi SM et al. A Review on Health Benefits of Malva sylvestris L. Nutritional Compounds for Metabolites, Antioxidants, and Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;5548404. PMC
• Akhtar MF et al. The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of Malva sylvestris: a review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023. PMC
• European Medicines Agency. Malvae folium — herbal medicinal product. EMA HMPC.
• European Medicines Agency. Malvae sylvestris flos — herbal medicinal product. EMA HMPC.
• EMA/HMPC. Final Assessment Report on Malva sylvestris L. and/or Malva neglecta Wallr., folium and Malva sylvestris L., flos — First Version. EMA/HMPC/749511/2016.
• EMA/HMPC. European Union Herbal Monograph on Malva sylvestris L. and/or Malva neglecta Wallr., folium — First Version.
• Prudente AS et al. Pre-clinical efficacy assessment of Malva sylvestris on chronic skin inflammation. PubMed 2017.
• Meysami M et al. Efficacy of Short Term Topical Malva sylvestris L. Cream in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2020. PubMed
• Mohaghegh Z et al. The Effect of Malva Sylvestris Cream on Episiotomy Pain and Healing: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2022;10(4):248–258. PMC
• Amirshahrokhi K et al. Effects of Malva sylvestris and Its Isolated Polysaccharide on Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in Rats. PubMed 2015.
• Gudej J, Tomczyk M. High molecular weight acidic polysaccharides from Malva sylvestris and Alcea rosea. PubMed 1998.
• Benso B et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Malva sylvestris, Sida cordifolia, and Pelargonium graveolens Is Related to Inhibition of Prostanoid Production. PMC 2018.
• Marouane W et al. The protective effect of Malva sylvestris on rat kidney damaged by vanadium. Lipids Health Dis. 2011;10:65. PMC
• Carnevali I et al. Efficacy and Satisfaction of a Chemically Characterized Malva sylvestris L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Functional Constipation in Healthy Consumers. Nutrients. 2025;17(1):77.
• Abdelghany TM et al. Malva parviflora Leaves and Fruits Mucilage as Natural Sources of Anti-Inflammatory, Antitussive and Gastro-Protective Agents. PMC 2022.
• Amato A et al. Malva sylvestris Flower Extract Exhibits Antineoplastic Potential Against Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines and Induces CDK2 Transcript Instability via Plant miR160-5p. PMC 2025.
• Nasiri E et al. Effect of Malva sylvestris cream on burn injury and wounds in rats. PMC 2015.
• Barros L et al. Leaves, flowers, immature fruits and leafy flowered stems of Malva sylvestris: a comparative study of nutraceutical potential and composition. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(6):1466–72.
• PeaceHealth. Mallow — Health Information Library.
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Safety Assessment of Malva sylvestris (Mallow)-Derived Ingredients.