Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum) has been used in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Siddha, to support a range of health conditions. Its use for treating or supporting anemia is primarily rooted in traditional claims rather than robust scientific evidence. In traditional texts, Indian mallow is sometimes included in formulations for “blood purification” or as a general “tonic,” and it is believed to have properties that may help in managing conditions of debility, including those resembling anemia.

The rationale for its use in anemia is often attributed to its general nutritive and restorative qualities rather than direct evidence of its ability to increase hemoglobin or red blood cell count. Some ethnobotanical surveys and reviews of traditional medicine mention its use in anemia, but these references are generally anecdotal or based on practitioner reports, not on the results of controlled clinical studies.

There is very limited preclinical or clinical research available that specifically examines the effect of Abutilon indicum on anemia. A few animal studies have explored its hematinic effects (ability to increase blood parameters), but these are preliminary, involve small sample sizes, and do not provide strong evidence suitable for clinical recommendation. Therefore, while Indian mallow is traditionally used in some cultures for anemia, scientific support for its efficacy in this condition remains weak.