Mallow: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Great mallow
Scientific name(s)
Malvae flos, Malva sylvestris
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Anthocyanins
Mucilages
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Cough, Pharyngitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Mallow has traditionally been used to soothe coughs thanks to its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. This use is also supported by recent clinical research. A study involving children aged 3 to 6 years suffering from acute cough examined the effects of a specific syrup (KalobaTUSS from Schwabe Pharma Italia Srl), composed of acacia honey and extracts of mallow, inula, plantain and helichrysum. Administered at 5 mL four times a day for 8 days, this syrup significantly and durably reduced daytime and nighttime cough scores compared with a placebo. According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy), mallow is indicated to relieve dry cough as well as irritations of the oropharyngeal mucosa.
Posologie
For oral use: flower
5 mL
syrup
Synergies
Phytotherapy Advice, Guide for the Prescriber. Paul Goetz, Francis Hadji-Minaglou, Lavoisier, ISBN: 978-2-7430-2414-7.
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Mallow is also valued for its action against constipation, an application supported by a long traditional use and preliminary clinical studies. nnA study evaluated the effect of a syrup containing 0.5 g of aqueous extract of mallow flower, taken twice daily after breakfast and lunch for four weeks. The results show an increase in stool frequency and a reduction in hard stools in patients with functional constipation, compared with a placebo. These effects underscore the potential of mallow as a natural treatment to improve intestinal transit.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flower
1 g
fluid extract
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Mallow is traditionally recognized for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly effective for treating skin conditions such as eczema. A preliminary study in children (mean age 13 months) with eczema examined the efficacy of a cream containing 5% mallow flower extract, applied to an affected skin area the size of a palm, twice daily for four weeks. The results showed significant improvements in eczema symptoms, including skin thickness, redness, and overall symptoms, compared with a placebo cream.nnThese results confirm the traditional use of mallow as a natural remedy to soothe and repair inflamed skin.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flower
1.5 - 2 g
fluid extract
Efficacy of Short Term Topical Malva Sylvestris L. Cream in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Mallow is recognized for its therapeutic virtues in the treatment of inflammations of the digestive tract, such as gastritis. According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy), mallow is indicated to relieve irritations of the oral, pharyngeal and gastric mucosae. These properties are explained by the presence of mucilages in the plant, which form a protective film over irritated or inflamed mucous membranes, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Used as an adjunct, mallow provides effective and gentle relief, making it an interesting option in the treatment of inflammatory digestive disorders.
Posologie
Topical: flower
5%
fluid extract, cream
Properties
Digestive effect
Mallow (Malva sylvestris) is distinguished by its notable benefits for digestive health. Its active components, particularly mucilages, offer preventive relief in cases of ulcerative colitis, attenuating inflammation before it escalates. In studies on animal models, the extract of this plant at a dose of 500 mg/kg proved as effective as conventional treatments such as cimetidine in combating gastric ulcers. In addition, daily consumption of a syrup prepared from the aqueous extract of mallow flowers, at a rate of 1 g per day, normalized intestinal transit. This treatment facilitates bowel movements and reduces constipation, thus acting as a mild laxative that also protects and soothes the mucous membranes.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Mallow leaves are recognized for their powerful antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging, and protection against lipid peroxidation. This ability to neutralize free radicals has been demonstrated at concentrations as low as 0.09 mg/mL. The natural pigments present in mallow also contribute to this protective action. Furthermore, the polysaccharides extracted from mallow leaves have a remarkable ability to neutralize the destructive activity of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, highlighting their potential role in reducing inflammation and pain. These antioxidant properties have been observed both in preliminary animal studies and in vitro.
Nephroprotective
The mallow decoction provides notable protection against kidney damage by reducing the effects of ammonium metavanadate, a compound toxic to the kidneys. This protection is mainly due to the antioxidant capacity of mallow's phenolic components, which combat lipid peroxidation and renal histopathological damage. Research in animal models shows that mallow flower extract improves renal function and attenuates kidney injuries induced by gentamicin, a known nephrotoxin. These beneficial effects are attributed to mallow's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 12 years and older: 1.5 g - 5 g (infusion)
Internal use : adult dose: 1.5-2 g of flowers as an aqueous cold macerate or a hot infusion, repeated if necessary up to a daily dose equivalent to 5 g. External use : as a gargle, a 5% decoction.
Children aged 3 years and older:
A syrup and a cream based on mallow extracts were administered to children in clinical studies. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine dosages according to the child's age.
