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Pharmacological activity of Althaea officinalis L
Abstract and Figures
Althaea officinalis belongs to family Malvaceae. It is one of the medicinal plants used therapeutically since ancient time. The leaves of the A. officinalis plant as well as the root are used as medicine. Roots of A. officinalis contain mucilage, flavonoids and glycosides, additionally the leaves contain the coumarin scopoletin. Due to having valuable secondary metabolites it exert potential therapeutic effect. In vitro and in vivo study of A. officinalis indicates significant pharmacological activity in the cough, irritation of the throat, gastric inflammation, anti-tumor, antiviral and immunostimulant. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, effects on mucociliary transport, adhesion of polysaccharide to buccal membranes and reduction of cough are reported.
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... 75]. Therapeutic properties: Marsh mallow has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, expectorant and strengthening the immune system properties [76] . The infusion of leaves, flowers and especially marshmallow root is used to treat inflammation, severe cough, bronchitis, angina, sore throat and wound healing. ...
... Secondary metabolites of some plants also stimulate macrophages in the body's immune response against pathogenic micro-organisms by several mechanisms [94]. In this study, plants were also mentioned that by strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance to the invasion of micro-organisms and pathogens were involved in faster recovery of the disease [33, 76,110,111]. ...
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, global efforts have focused on providing appropriate
vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat the disease. In this direction traditional therapy with medicinal
plants has been growingly used to reduce the damage caused by this disease. In this study,
phytochemistry, pharmacology and ethnobotany properties of twelve medicinal plants which have
potential of post remedy for COVID-19 affected – persons were surveyed. Databases including
Scopus, PubMed, Medline, SID, Google Scholar and Science Direct were searched. The unlimited
time period until 2021 year was considered. Studies showed that, the phenolic compounds present in
Lamiaceae family with different mechanisms prevent the binding and penetration of viruses into cells.
In some of plants such as Hyssopus officinalis, it is able to reduce inflammation in respiratory diseases
by regulating the secretion of interleukins and the balance of cytokines. Furthermore, few plants can
lower the effects of toxins of micro-organisms by using chemical compounds; carotenoids and
confrontation free radicals, reducing inflammatory factors. Secondary metabolites; flavonoids in
Malva sylvestris stimulate macrophages in the body's immune response against pathogenic microorganisms
by several mechanisms. And some other phenolic compounds bind to the 6LU7 surface
protein of coronavirus, which inhibits virus stability. It can be stated the medicinal plants introduced
in this study with important properties such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory and also strengthen the
immune response may be a good choice for recovery and treatment continuation in COVID-19
affected persons.
... 75]. Therapeutic properties: Marsh mallow has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, expectorant and strengthening the immune system properties [76] . The infusion of leaves, flowers and especially marshmallow root is used to treat inflammation, severe cough, bronchitis, angina, sore throat and wound healing. ...
... Secondary metabolites of some plants also stimulate macrophages in the body's immune response against pathogenic micro-organisms by several mechanisms [94]. In this study, plants were also mentioned that by strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance to the invasion of micro-organisms and pathogens were involved in faster recovery of the disease [33, 76,110,111]. ...
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, global efforts have focused on providing appropriate
vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat the disease. In this direction traditional therapy with medicinal
plants has been growingly used to reduce the damage caused by this disease. In this study,
phytochemistry, pharmacology and ethnobotany properties of twelve medicinal plants which have
potential of post remedy for COVID-19 affected – persons were surveyed. Databases including
Scopus, PubMed, Medline, SID, Google Scholar and Science Direct were searched. The unlimited
time period until 2021 year was considered. Studies showed that, the phenolic compounds present in
Lamiaceae family with different mechanisms prevent the binding and penetration of viruses into cells.
In some of plants such as Hyssopus officinalis, it is able to reduce inflammation in respiratory diseases
by regulating the secretion of interleukins and the balance of cytokines. Furthermore, few plants can
lower the effects of toxins of micro-organisms by using chemical compounds; carotenoids and
confrontation free radicals, reducing inflammatory factors. Secondary metabolites; flavonoids in
Malva sylvestris stimulate macrophages in the body's immune response against pathogenic microorganisms
by several mechanisms. And some other phenolic compounds bind to the 6LU7 surface
protein of coronavirus, which inhibits virus stability. It can be stated the medicinal plants introduced
in this study with important properties such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory and also strengthen the
immune response may be a good choice for recovery and treatment continuation in COVID-19
affected persons.
... The Marshmallow plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and its scientific name is Althea officinalis [25], which means healing [26]. Marshmallow is native to Asia, Europe, and the United States [27]. In Iran, it is distributed in the northwest to the northeast [28], southwest [29], and west of the country such as Lorestan province [30,31]. ...
... Marshmallow root contains 91% mucilage compounds, 99% starch, 19% sucrose, betaine, flavonoids, coumarins, oil [33], and polyphenols [34]. It has white, pale pink, and red flowers [27,35]. The highest amount of flavonoids is in white Marshmallow [36]. ...
Abstract Background Fever is the most common reason for children’s visits to medical centers. Its management is an essential duty of a pediatric nurse. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of body wash with Marshmallow plant on children’s fever. Methods This parallel clinical trial was performed on 92 children aged 6 months to 10 years with a tympanic temperature above 38.3 °C. Participants were randomly assigned to groups. Simultaneously with receiving acetaminophen, body wash was performed in the control group with lukewarm water and in the intervention group with white Marshmallow extract. The children’s temperature; from the beginning of the study was checked and recorded every 15 min in the first hour and in the 4th and 6th hours. The time duration to resolve fever, the frequency of afebrile children at different times of the study, and the value of temperature reduction were primary outcomes. Heart rate, the need to administer the next dose of acetaminophen, and the time of fever recurrence were recorded as secondary outcomes. Results The mean time duration to resolve fever in the intervention group was shorter than in the control group (B = 8.181, 95% CI 3.778–12.584, p
... Aqueous extracts of Althaea officinalis and ethanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum showed free radical scavenging activities against DPPH. The results of the in vitro anti-oxidant activity of test extracts were in agreement with previous studies [32,60,[66][67][68]. Ethanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum showed the highest anti-oxidant effect, exhibiting the smallest IC50 values. ...
... Furthermore, Althaea officinalis pretreatment significantly reduced ulcers associated with oxidative stress as manifested by a significant decrease in MDA in comparison to the gastric ulcer control group. Tannin content in Althaea officinalis (scopoletin) mimics hepatic lipid peroxidation and promotes anti-oxidants activity of superoxide-dismutase and catalase [68]. Also, it was demonstrated that flavonoids present in Althaea officinalis can scavenge free radicals and can inhibit lipid peroxidation [32]. ...
... A. officinalis belongs to the Boraginaceae family. The plant contains substances such as sugars, starches, asparagine, pectin, mucilage, polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenes, terpenoids, sterols, phenolic compounds, and volatiles [9][10][11]. The properties of A. officinalis include coughtreating, expectorant, and emollient of the skin, and respiratory tract. ...
Medicinal plants, plant extracts, and essential oils are critically important for the pharmaceutical, health, and food industries. Chemical analysis and identification of compounds of medicinal plants has drawn a great deal of attention. In May 2022, the samples of two aromatic species, borage (Anchusa italica Retz.) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.), native to Dehloran in the south of Ilam province, western Iran, were collected. The medicinal plants were dried, and then pulverized. Their essential oils were extracted by using headspace-solid phase microextraction and their chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The functional groups of the plants were also identified by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Total antioxidant capacity was measured based on divalent iron reducing ability and by single electron transfer mechanism. The GC-MS results showed that A. italica contains 42 chemical compounds including trans-caryophyllene (13.26%), allospathulenol (11.27%), germacrene D (10.47%), bicyclogermacrene (9.77%), safranal (7.62%), δ-cadinene (6.42%), and α-pinene (4.38%) are α-copaene (3.96%) and β-myrcene (3.75%). A. officinalis also contains 39 chemical compounds such as tetradecane (22.54%), α-pinene (15.50%), hexadecane (10.46%), 2-hexenal (8.48%), dodecane (7.28%), β-Ionone (3.50%), and trans-geranylacetone (3.26%). After measurement of the wavelengths at 570 nm, the antioxidant property of A. officinalis was calculated at 1.2 mmol Fe 2+ /L and that of A. italica at 2.9 mmol Fe 2+ /L. Our results showed that the two studied medicinal plants have a wide range of chemical compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, mucilage, and saponin with the potential antioxidant properties. Therefore, given the antioxidant properties of these plants, this research can be a starting point for the additional experiments regarding the use of essential oils and extracts of these two medicinal plants. Taken together, the potential of these two plants, as two important medicinal plants occurring in Iran, for use in traditional medicine, modern medicine, and industries can be promising with respect to their trade and cultivation, and can stimulate comprehensive research in their pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical applications in clinical pharmacy so that they would be introduced into the booming and popular market of medicines of natural origin. K E Y W O R D S Althaea Officinalis L.
Introduction: Plant derived mucilage has been explored as a drug,
pharmaceutical excipient, and in cosmetics. Several mucilage and
mucilage‑containing drugs are being utilized in Unani medicine.
These are to be standardized for authentications owing to immense
utilization. A mucilage‑containing drug obtained from root of Althaea
officinalis L. (AO) – family Malvaceae, an important Unani drug,
has been subjected to physicochemical studies for standardization.
Materials and Methods: Mucilage of roots of the drug was isolated by
classical and reference method. The physicochemical method included
determination of ash values, moisture content, viscosity, swelling index (SI),
and pH value. Powder characterization study included bulk density, tapped
density, Hausner’s ratio, and angle of repose. For preliminary phytochemical
analysis, qualitative tests for organic constituents and test for mucilage
were carried out. Analytical methods, namely Fourier transform
infra‑red (FTIR) and high‑performance thin‑layer chromatography (HPTLC)
were also applied. Results: The yield percentage taken by acetone method
was 36.80 ± 1.25 whereas that of classical method was 42.93 ± 1.35.
Values of pH, loss on drying, viscosity, and SI were 4.08 ± 0.032,
14.46 ± 0.13, 34.40 ± 0.61, and 334.36 ± 23.77, respectively. Data for ash
value and powder characterization (Micromeritic Properties) were set in.
Preliminary confirmative test confirmed that the isolated polysaccharide
is mucilage. HPTLC fingerprinting of aqueous extract gave 6 and 4 peak at
254 nm, 4 and 5 peak at 366 nm and 5 and 6 peaks at 550 nm in mobile
phase chloroform (90): methanol (10): acetic acid (2). FTIR data for the
mucilage were also set in. Conclusion: Physicochemical standardization
data/monograph for AO root mucilage were developed.
Key words: Althaea officinalis, mucilage, physicochemica
Studies have been conducted to establish the influence of plant growth regulators and drip irrigation on the productivity of marshmallow in the first year of the growing season. It was found that the increase in dry grass yield from the use of growth regulators ranged from 0.15 t/ha to 0.88 t/ha without irrigation. In the variants with the use of irrigation, the increase in yield ranged from 0.29 t/ha to 1.16 t/ha. It was found that the yield of dry roots without irrigation with the use of growth regulators increased by 0.05–0.42 t/ha compared to the option without the introduction of growth regulators (control). Under irrigation conditions, the use of growth regulators helped to increase the yield of dried roots of marshmallow by 0.12 0.47 t/ha relative to control. The highest productivity of marshmallow grass was obtained with the application of Emistin and Vimpel, where the yield was 4.69 and 4.88 t/ha without irrigation, in the variants with irrigation the yield was 7.31 and 7.44 t/ha of dry raw materials. The highest yield of dried marshmallow roots without irrigation was in the variants with the application of Vimpel and Potassium Humate where it was 1.89 and 1.95 t/ha. Under irrigation conditions, the highest root yield of 2.22–2.34 t/ha was obtained in the variants with the introduction of Emistin, Potassium Humate and Vimpel. The study of the effect of drip irrigation on the yield of dry raw material of marshmallow showed a positive effect, on average, the increase in yield from the use of irrigation was 2.5 t/ha of grass and 0.39 t/ha of roots. In a study of the influence of growth regulators on the share of leaves in raw materials, it was found that without irrigation among the studied options, the percentage of leaves ranged from 43.5 to 46.7%. The use of Sodium Humate provided the raw material with the largest share of leaves. The smallest share of leaves was under the control and with the introduction of growth regulators of Potassium Humate and Emistin. Under irrigation, the share of leaves in raw materials ranged from 42.9 to 47.1%. The lowest percentage of leaves in the raw material was recorded in the version with the introduction of the growth regulator of Potassium Humate, the highest percentage of leaves was in the version with the introduction of Pennant.
Numerous functions within the human body have been conducted throughout time without anyone being aware of them or interfering with their functioning. One of them is breathing. Thus, when a person develops trouble breathing and must exert considerable effort to inhale and exhale, it becomes an argument for a will condition. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder that is often characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea, all of which are signs of airway obstruction. They can occur spontaneously, most frequently at night or early in the morning, the following activity or responding to an allergy. This potentially severe chronic disease places a significant financial burden on individuals and their families. The development of bronchodilators and corticosteroids simplified the management of bronchial asthma in modern medicine. In modern medicine, bronchial asthma is treated through bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Apart from this invention, comprehensive treatment of asthma is still a long way off. The Unani medical system takes a holistic approach to prevent and treating Asthma (Ḍīq al-Nafas). This article aims to describe Asthma (Ḍīq al-Nafas) and find a comprehensive and safe method of managing asthma through a holistic approach to the Unani system of medicine.
Introduction
Herbal medicine is extensively used in various therapeutic strategies. Althaea officinalis L. of the family Malvaceae exhibits many biological activities through its phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins and polysaccharides. In Lebanon, the flowers are consumed in hot infusions. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate chemical and biological properties of Lebanese Althaea officinalis L. flower water extract.
Methods
Chemical characterization was performed by qualitative phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Anti-proliferative effect was evaluated in cancer cells by MTT assay. The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory enzyme and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Cytoprotective activity was examined in red blood cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis. Antioxidant property was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay.
Results
Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, lignins, phenols, tannins, terpenoids and others. GC/MS analysis suggested that most of the phytocompounds are conjugated to sugars rather than free. LC/MS analysis identified 5 phenolic acids (syringic, gallic, caffeic, p-coumaric and trans-ferulic acids) and 8 flavonoids (catechin, apigenin, chrysin, quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, rutin trihydrate and galangin). Biological evaluation of the extract showed anti-proliferative effects on A549, EB, HCT-116, MCF-7 and HeLa 229 cells, anti-inflammatory activity illustrated by decrease in mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6, cytoprotective activity in red blood cells and antioxidant property.
Conclusion
Althaea officinalis flowers rich in phytocompounds exert interesting biological activities and hold promise in the pharmacological field.
The complex extract and the polysaccharide isolated from the roots of marsh mallow were tested for antitussive activity in unanaesthetized cats of both sexes. Cough was elicited by mechanical stimulation of laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial mucous area of the respiratory system with a Nylon fibre (diameter 0.35 mm). Cough was evaluated on the basis of the changes in lateral tracheal pressure. The polysaccharide and the complex extract were administered p.o. in a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The efficiency of the mentioned compounds was compared with the cough-suppressing effect of drugs belonging to the non-narcotic antitussics. The results of the experiments showed that administration of the polysaccharide led to a statistically significant decrease of the number of cough efforts both from laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial areas of the respiratory system. The polysaccharide in a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. was as effective in inhibition of the cough reflex as Sirupus Althaeae in a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. and more effective than prenoxdiazine in a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. However, the cough-suppressing effect of the polysaccharide was lower than that of dropropizine. The extract was less effective than the polysaccharide.
Seventeen water-soluble polysaccharides obtained from various plants were tested for anti-complementary activities. Considerable activity was observed for Zizyphus-arabinan [(1→5)-linked α-l-arabinofuranosyl main-chain having (1→2)-linked α-l-arabinofuranosyl side-chains] from the dried fruit of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis, paniculatan [highly branched, partially O-acetylated, acidic mucous polysaccharide composed of (1→2)-linked α-l-rhamnopyranosyl residues having branches composed of O-(4-O-methyl-α-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranose at position 4 and (1→4)-linked α-d-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues having β-d-glucosyluronic acid groups at position 3] from the inner bark of Hydrangea paniculata, and Plantago-mucilage A [highly branched, partially O-acetylated, acidic mucous polysaccharide with a main chain of (1→4)-linked β-d-xylopyranosyl residues having other β-d-xylopyranosyl groups and branches composed of O-(α-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→3)-α-l-arabinofuranosyl and O-(α-d-galactopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→3)-α-l-arabinofuranosyl groups at position 3 as side chains] from the seed of Plantago asiatica. The majority of the mucous acidic polysaccharides from the plants belonging to Malvaceae had weak activities. These polysaccharides commonly contained (1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues as the main chain. Glucomannans and pectin did not show any significant activity. The results of tests on C4 titration, anti-complementary activity in the absence of Ca2+, crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and activity of the alternative complement pathway using rabbit erythrocytes indicated that the mode of complement activation by paniculatan occurred mainly via the classical pathway, whereas activation by Zizyphus-arabinan and Plantago-mucilage A were both via the alternative and classical pathways. The mode of complement activation by paniculatan did not depend on its particulate state.
Die Schleimpolysaccharide von Radix Althaeae, Folium und Flores Althaeae und Folium und Flores Malvae wurden quantitativ bestimmt. Die Schleimstorfe aus Radix Althaeae wiesen während einer Vegetationsperiode qualitative und quantitative Schwankungen auf. Der höchste Schleimgehalt der Wurzeldroge wurde während des Spätherbstes und Winters mit ca. 11 %, der niedrigste im Frühjahr und Sommer mit etwa 5–6 % ermittelt. Verbunden mit dem Anstieg der Schleimquantität war eine Zunahme der glukosehaltigen Polysaccharide im Rohschleim. Der Glukosegehalt in den Hydrolysaten betrug im Frühjahr und Sommer ca. 5 %, während er im Winter auf ca. 20 % anstieg.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen an den Rohschleimen aus Althaea–Blättern und –Blüten, Matoa–Blättern und –Blüten zeigten deren unterschiedliche chemische Zusammensetzung. Xylose, die in Wurzelschleimhydrolysaten nicht vorhanden war, lag in Blatt– und Blütenschleimhydrolysaten in kleinen Mengen vor. Der Gehalt an Arabinoseresten war in Blatt– und Blütenschleimen doppelt so hoch wie im Wurzelschleim. Während der Anteil an Galaktoseresten in allen Schleimen ungefähr konstant blieb, lagen Rhamnose– und Galakturonsäurereste in recht unterschiedlichen Mengen vor. Auch die Polymerisationsgrade der verschiedenen Rohschleime zeigten beträchtliche Differenzen, wobei der Polymerisationsgrad des Wurzelschleims 720, der des Blütenschleims 530 und der des Blattschleims 360 betrug. Der Rohschleim aus der Althaea–Wurzel konnte an DEAE–Cellulose in ein saures Polysaccharid mit Polymerisationsgrad 230 und in ein Gemisch von mindestens zwei neutralen Polysacchariden mit einem durchschnittlichen Polymerisationsgrad von 1130 getrennt werden. Das saure
Polysaccharid enthielt 2–O–α–D–Galakturonopyranosyl–L–Rhamnose als wesentlichen Baustein. Durch Partialhydrolyse konnte im neutralen Polysaccharidgemisch eine Galaktobiose und eine Galaktotriose identifiziert werden, die einem Galaktan entstammen dürften. Daneben wurden im Partialhydrolysat Maltosereste gefunden. Durch Fraktionierung mit Bariumhydroyxd konnte ein fast reines Glukan aus tlem Rohschleim abgetrennt werden. Diese Ergebnisse lassen die Schlußfolgerung zu, daß im Rohschleim aus Radix Althaeae mindestens drei distinkte Polysaccharide vorliegen, nämlich ein Galakturonorhamnan, ein Glukan und ein Arabinogalaktan (oder ein Arabinan und ein Galaktan).
Summary
Mucilages from roots, leaves and flowers of Althaea officinalis and from leaves and flowers of Malva silvestris were investigated quantitatively and qualitatively.
The mucilage content of roots of Althaea is highest in late fall and winter (± 11 %) and lowest in spring and summer (5–6 %). Parallel to the increase of mucilage in fall its content of glucose–containing polysaccharides increases. Crude mucilages of roots contained ± 5 % glucose in spring and ± 20 % glucose in winter. There are differences between root mucilage on one side and leaf and flower mucilages on the other side:
Xylose was only observed in hydrolysates of leaf and flower mucilages.
Leaf and flower mucilages contain much more arabinose than root mucilage.
The degree of polymerisation (DPn) seems to be different too. In Althaea officinalis the following (DPn) were observed: Root 720, leaf 360, flower 530.
The crude mucilage of Althaea roots contains an acidic polysaccharide (DPn 230) and at least two neutral polysaccharides (DPn 1130).
The acidic polysaccharide contains 2–O–α–D–galacturonopyranosyl–L–rham–nose as an important building unit.
The neutral portion of the crude mucilage contains a glucan and an arabino–galactan (or an arabinan and a galactan).