Mahruh Nagiyeva
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
PhD in Pharmacy
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2514-0398
mahrux.nagiyeva@adau.edu.az
Aytakin Mammadova
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
PhD in Pharmacy
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5834-2546
aytakin.mammadova@adau.edu.az
Shafiga Jafarova
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8994-6923
shafiqa.cafarova@adau.edu.az
Fatima Rashidova
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0180-599X
fatima.rashidova@adau.edu.az
Huseyn Kazimzada
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0387-1317
huseyn.kazimzada@adau.edu.az
Ethnopharmacological, pharmacognostic, and Phytotherapeutic
properties of Malva sylvestris L.
Abstract
Malva sylvestris L. (Malvaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries and is distinguished by its rich complex of biologically active compounds. In the present review article, the ethnopharmacological uses, pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical composition, and phytotherapeutic significance of Malva sylvestris L. are systematically analyzed based on contemporary scientific sources. The article discusses the macro and microscopic characteristics, authentication criteria, and quality parameters of the plant’s leaves and flowers as the main medicinal raw materials. Phytochemical analyses have shown that the plant is particularly rich in mucilaginous substances, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. These compounds collectively play an important role in the manifestation of anti-inflammatory, emollient, protective, expectorant, and regenerative effects. The review also covers the phytotherapeutic application potential of Malva sylvestris L. preparations in the treatment of respiratory tract, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and dermatological diseases. The analyses indicate that this plant, owing to its safety and broad therapeutic spectrum, is considered a promising source for the development of modern natural medicinal products.
Keywords: Malva sylvestris L., medicinal plant, ethnopharmacology, pharmacognosy, phytotherapy