Common names | mallow, common mallow, blue mallow

Scientific name | Malva sylvestris

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | malvin, apigenin, delphinidin

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial

Product name | Mallow Flower-APD, Mallow Flower-ANB

Plant Story

Malva sylvestris, commonly known as mallow, common mallow, or blue mallow, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It is well-known for its distinctive pink or lavender colored flowers with dark purple veining on petals. Young leaves can be used in salads or cooked as vegetables. The leaves and flowers can be used to make herbal teas and infusions. The flowers can also be used as a decorative garnish for salads and desserts. Traditionally, common mallow has been used to alleviate respiratory discomfort such as sore throat and coughs, and to soothe digestive issues such as stomach ulcers. Topically, the poultices or creams of common mallow have been used to soothe skin irritations, including burns, insect bites, and minor wounds.

Phytochemical studies showed that the various parts of mallow contain terpenoids, phenolic derivatives, flavonoids, polysaccharides, mucilages, vitamins, coumarins. Anthocyanins, particularly malvidin 3,5-diglucoside (malvin), are cationic flavonoids found in flowers. Myricetin, apigenin, apigenin chloride, delphinidin, and malvidin chloride are also found in flowers. It was reported that M. sylvestris extracts have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties. When clinically tested, M. sylvestris creams were effective to reduce atopic dermatitis and hand eczema symptoms.