Pharmacological Properties of Malva sylvestris Extracts
Summary
Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, yields extracts rich in mucilages, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sterols and tannins. These phytochemicals underpin a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Antioxidant properties are conferred by free-radical scavenging and enhancement of endogenous enzyme defences. Anti-inflammatory effects arise from inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of cyclooxygenase pathways. Antimicrobial actions include direct bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, disruption of biofilm formation and interference with bacterial efflux systems to reduce resistance. Additional benefits encompass hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects in models of chemical injury, anti-osteoclastogenic activity relevant to bone remodelling, and adjuvant potential in chronic inflammatory disorders. Emerging applications exploit targeted fractions or nanoparticles to enhance bioavailability and selectivity. The global significance of M. sylvestris extracts lies in their multitarget pharmacology, low toxicity at therapeutic doses and integration into complementary formulations for skin, gastrointestinal and systemic conditions.
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Pharmacological Properties of Malva sylvestris Extracts publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological properties of malva sylvestris extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biofilm: structured aggregate of microbial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix adherent to a surface.
Efflux pump: membrane protein complex that expels toxic compounds, including antibiotics, from bacterial cells.
Flavonoids: class of polyphenolic plant metabolites with diverse bioactivities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Mucilage: viscous polysaccharide secretion from plant tissues that contributes to hydration and mucosal protection.
Osteoclastogenesis: differentiation process by which precursor cells become osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells involved in skeletal remodelling.
References
- Modulation of the bacterial virulence and resistance by well-known European medicinal herbs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023).
- The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of malva sylvestris: a review. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology (2022).
- Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Osteoclastogenic and Antioxidant Effects of Malva sylvestris Extract and Fractions: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. PLOS ONE (2016).
- Protective effect of Malva sylvestris L. extract in ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney and remote liver injury. PLOS ONE (2017).
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