| Latin Names |
English Names |
Hindi Names |
Malva sylvestris
Linn. (Malvaceae) |
Common Mallow |
Gul-khair, Kunzi, Vilayatiikangai |
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 History
Greeks and Romans used it as a medicine on account of its mucilaginous and cooling properties. It also finds mention in Persian literature as medicine. All parts of this plant were commended in Unani works on account of their mucilaginous and cooling properties.Habitat
It grows mostly as a weed in India in Kashmir, Bihar and parts of Deccan Penninsula up to an altitude of 2,400 meters. |
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Morphology Description (Habit)
It is a perennial herb. Stem is erect and woody. Leaves are on a long stalk, 3-7 lobed, reniform at the base, margin scalloped, smooth above and roughly hairy below. Calyx is campanulate. Corolla is purple with veins of deeper tint. Pedicel is slender. Fruit is smooth netted with short style. Seeds are many and reniform.
Principal Constituents
The active constituent of mucilage of leaves and flowers are composed of 9 different sugar residues, of which GalA, GlcA are the major constituents1. Scopolectin was also identified2.
Toxicology
There is no adverse effect reported on usage of this plant.
Indications
Flowers and immature fruits are used for whooping cough. It is official in the French and Swiss Pharmacopoeias.
References
- Planta Medica, 1993, Vol. 59 (Supplement), pp. A615.
- Int. J. Pharmacognosy, 1995, Vol. 33(1), 353-355.
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