Malva neglecta Wallr. (common mallow), a member of the family Malvaceae, is a widely distributed
medicinal plant traditionally used in various systems of medicine for the treatment of wounds, inflammatory
disorders, respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and urinary tract disorders. The
plant is rich in bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, hydroxycinnamic
acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, organic acids, proteins, oils, and mucilage, which contribute to its
diverse pharmacological activities. Traditional medicinal practices across Asia, Europe, and the Middle
East have extensively utilized different parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, roots, stems, fruits, and
seeds, for their therapeutic benefits. Experimental studies have demonstrated that M. neglecta possesses
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, hepatoprotective, anti-urolithiasis,
anticholinesterase, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, ?-amylase inhibitory, ?-glucosidase
inhibitory, pancreatic lipase inhibitory, and wound-healing activities. The presence of mucilage and
polyphenolic compounds plays a significant role in promoting tissue repair by reducing inflammation,
scavenging free radicals, and enhancing collagen synthesis during wound healing. This review summarizes
the botanical profile, geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and
pharmacological properties of M. neglecta, with particular emphasis on its therapeutic potential in woundmanagement. The compiled evidence highlights the plant as a promising source of bioactive compounds
for the development of safe and effective herbal formulations, while also emphasizing the need for further
preclinical and clinical investigations to validate its traditional claims and establish its clinical efficacy.
Keywords: Malva neglecta, Common mallow, Wound healing, Phytochemistry, Traditional medicine, Pharmacological activities, Medicinal plants
Publication date: 01/11/2026
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/November/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10596.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.11.10596
