Malva sylvestris
Mallow
Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, is a versatile medicinal herb cherished for centuries. Characterized by its delicate purple flowers, this plant offers soothing mucilage properties. It is widely used to alleviate respiratory issues, soothe digestive discomfort, and reduce inflammation, making it a staple in traditional herbalism.
- Scientific name: Malva sylvestris
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malvacaceae and the genus Malva.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Malva | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Malva sylvestris, is recognized by various regional names across the globe. In Poland, it is called ślaz dziki, while in France, it is referred to as grande mauve. Hungarian speakers call it erdei mályva, and in Germany, it is commonly known as Wilde Malve. Furthermore, in Japan, the species is identified by the name ウスベニアオイ.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Ślaz dziki | Wikidata |
| fr | Grande mauve | Wikidata |
| hu | erdei mályva | Wikidata |
| de | Wilde Malve | Wikidata |
| ja | ウスベニアオイ | Wikidata |
| el | Μολόχα | Wikidata |
| hsb | Dźiwi šlěz | Wikidata |
| nl | Groot kaasjeskruid | Wikidata |
| sv | Rödmalva | Wikidata |
| ku-arab | تۆلک | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of Northern Europe. In the Scandinavian peninsula, it can be found growing in both Denmark and Norway. Its distribution also extends northward into the territory of Finland. Moving toward the Atlantic, the species is well-established throughout Great Britain. Finally, the plant is commonly documented across the landscape of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Malva sylvestris, offers various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The soft, velvety leaves are often used in infusions to soothe inflammations, while the delicate purple flowers serve as a gentle mucilage source for respiratory relief. The small seeds can be harvested for their nutritional and emollient qualities. Beneath the surface, the plant develops sturdy roots that contain concentrated bioactive compounds; specifically, the specialized mallow roots are highly valued in traditional herbalism for their ability to calm irritated mucous membranes.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 21
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| flowers | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mallow roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leafy flowered stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| immature fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edible flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Malva sylvestris has 31 reported phytochemicals identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Ca++, Coumarins, K+, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside.
- Total chemicals
- 31
- Scientific sources
- 36
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ca++ | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| K+ | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Malvone A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Na+ | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acephate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aflatoxin B2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-linolenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Malva sylvestris has 19 reported activities identified across 39 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Laxative, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 39
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antibacterial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Malva sylvestris has 31 reported medicinal uses identified across 43 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, cancer, wound healing, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.
- Total uses
- 31
- Scientific sources
- 43
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Atopic Dermatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Corynebacterium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |