Mallow

Scientific Name(s): Althaea officinalis L., Malva neglecta Wallr., Malva sylvestris L.
Common Name(s): Common mallow, Common marshmallow, Malva

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

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.

Dosing

Commercial tea products are the primary dosage forms of mallow.

Contraindications

Avoid use if allergic or hypersensitive to any components of the plant species. Animal studies document that the plant may lower blood sugar levels; thus, use with caution in patients with diabetes or in those sensitive to changes in blood glucose levels.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

No serious adverse reactions were reported in 2 clinical trials.

Toxicology

No toxicity studies could be found.

Scientific Family

• Malvaceae (mallow)

Botany

The Malvaceae family is represented by the genera Althaea, Malva, and Lavatiera, and the mallow plants are members of this family.1 Mallows are perennial plants native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. The plants have been naturalized in North America and are cultivated from western Europe to Russia. They prefer damp areas, such as the ocean, salt marshes, meadows, sides of ditches, and banks of tidal rivers. They grow from 1 to 2 m tall, and the leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for medicinal purposes. The flowers bloom in late spring, and the roots must be at least 2 years old before harvesting.2, 3, 4, 5

History

Mallow has a rich ethnomedicinal history and has been used since ancient Greece and Roman times. The leaves and shoots of common mallow have been used as food sources since the 8th century BC.3 The aboveground portions of the plant have been used in pancakes and salads, cooked as greens, and used as stuffing.6 The immature fruits may be consumed raw as a snack.7

Ethnomedicinal references document the plant's efficacy as an anti-inflammatory for the respiratory tract, GI tract, and the skin.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 The plant can be used topically or in a bath to treat abscesses, bruises, burns, dermatitis, swellings, and varicose ulcers.5, 8 A decoction may be chewed, gargled, or used as a wash to treat sore throat as well as mouth, throat, and gingival inflammations.10, 13 Respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis and whooping cough, can also be treated with a decoction.4, 11 It may be used as a compress on the stomach to help heal abdominal pains.12 Mallow may be taken as food to treat constipation or similar GI discomfort.5, 13 Other uses have been documented.5