Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Aloe Vera vs Mallow
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Aloe Vera and Mallow: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, bruising, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Aloe Vera | Mallow | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bruising | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Mallow |
| Headache | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Mallow |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Mallow |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Acemannan and other glucomannans are the principal gel polysaccharides, underlying the emollient and wound-healing effects.
Found mainly in the leaf latex (not the inner gel); responsible for the traditional laxative effect and requiring caution with prolonged use.
Minor bioactive enzymes, vitamins (including C and E) and minerals contribute to the antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties of the gel.
The high mucilage content gives the demulcent, soothing action.
The blue-purple pigments and antioxidant constituents.
Phenolic constituents associated with antioxidant and reported antiproliferative (anticancer) activity in cell studies.
Pharmacological Actions
Aloe vera and its anthraquinone aloe-emodin show dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against multiple cancer types in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound-healing (preclinical)
Antibacterial / antimicrobial (methanolic leaf extracts; the naphthoquinone Malvone A)
Demulcent for irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough (soothing mucilage); Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from vulnerary action
Aloe-emodin, an Aloe vera anthraquinone, induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of gastric, oral squamous, hepatocellular, lung (incl. xenograft) and glioblastoma cancer cells, modulating caspases, Bcl-2/Bax, PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signalling (preclinical).
inferred from emollient action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
Demulcent for irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough (soothing mucilage)
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
Soothes irritated and inflamed skin and mucous membranes
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Topical use of aloe gel is generally safe for most people. Oral use of aloe latex as a laxative is potentially unsafe with prolonged use due to risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potential kidney damage. Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides which may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May interact with diabetes medications, diuretics, and laxatives. Oral aloe gel at typical doses appears safe short-term but long-term safety is unclear. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals.
Duke (2002) reports clinical evidence (score 2/3) supporting aloe gel's use in psoriasis, constipation (in adults), and as a vulnerary. Gel preparations have been clinically validated for peptic ulcers (excluding stress-induced), radiation burns, and skin ulcers. Dose: 1 tablespoon gel three times daily or 50–200 mg dried juice equivalent per day as a laxative. An important safety distinction is made: the gel (inner leaf mucilage) is AHPA Class 1 (safe), while the inner leaf juice or dried latex is Class 2b due to anthraquinone content and is contraindicated in intestinal inflammation, colitis, Crohn's disease, appendicitis, and during menstruation (Duke, 2002).
Generally very well tolerated. Irritation of the mouth/throat or a cough that persists beyond about a week, or is accompanied by fever or breathlessness, needs medical assessment.
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended in the absence of adequate data.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Succulent, rosette-forming perennial with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves edged with soft, pale teeth, each leaf filled with a clear, slippery, mucilaginous gel beneath a tougher green rind. In favourable conditions it produces a tall flowering spike bearing tubular yellow (sometimes orange) flowers.[1]
Biennial or short-lived perennial herb, 30-120 cm tall, with erect or sprawling, branched, often reddish stems. Leaves are alternate, long-stalked and palmately lobed with 5-7 shallow rounded lobes and toothed margins. Flowers are pink-purple with darker veining, with five notch-tipped petals borne in small axillary clusters. The fruit is a flattened, disc-shaped schizocarp ('cheese') that splits into a ring of small single-seeded nutlets.[2]
Habitat
Believed native to the Arabian Peninsula, and now cultivated and naturalised throughout arid and semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as a garden, medicinal and commercial crop.[1]
Common on roadsides, waste ground, hedgebanks and field margins across Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, and widely naturalised elsewhere; tolerates a wide range of soils, favouring sunny, disturbed, nitrogen-rich sites.[2]
Harvesting
Outer, mature leaves are cut close to the base as needed; the clear inner gel (mucilage) is separated from the outer rind and from the bitter yellow latex (aloin-containing exudate) just under the rind, since the gel and the latex have different uses and safety profiles.[1]
Leaves and flowers are gathered during the flowering period (summer) and dried quickly out of direct sun to preserve their mucilage content; fresh material can also be used directly for infusions or poultices.[11]
Traditional Uses
Aloe vera has an ancient reputation, recorded from ancient Egypt onward, as a topical remedy for burns, wounds and skin inflammation (the 'burn plant' / 'first aid plant'), and the bitter leaf latex has been used traditionally as a stimulant laxative. It remains one of the most widely used topical botanicals for skin care and minor wound healing.[1]
Mallow leaf and flower have a long ethnobotanical history across Europe as a demulcent for irritated mucous membranes - soothing coughs, sore throat and mouth irritation - and for occasional constipation and skin irritation, reflecting the mucilage-rich leaf and flower. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological work confirms antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing activity of its extracts.[2, 11]
Preparations
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Aloe Vera Gel specifies fresh gel, or preparations containing 10-70% fresh gel, applied to the affected skin area. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
EMA herbal-monograph guidance suggests roughly 1.5-2 g of dried leaf or flower per cup, taken as an infusion up to 3 times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Sanchez, M., Gonzalez-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I. and Gomez-Serranillos, M.P (2020) 'Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents', Molecules, 25(6), pp. 1324. doi:10.3390/molecules25061324 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324 - Kaur, S. and Bains, K (2023) 'Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera)', International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94(3-4), pp. 308-321. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000797 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000797 - Catalano, A., Ceramella, J., Iacopetta, D., Marra, M., Conforti, F., Lupi, F.R., Gabriele, D., Borges, F. and Sinicropi, M.S (2024) 'Aloe vera - an extensive review focused on recent studies', Foods, 13(13), pp. 2155. doi:10.3390/foods13132155 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132155 - Surjushe, A., Vasani, R. and Saple, D.G (2008) 'Aloe vera: a short review', Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), pp. 163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785 - Liang, J., Cui, L., Li, J., Guan, S., Zhang, K. and Li, J (2020) 'Aloe vera: a medicinal plant used in skin wound healing', Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 27(5), pp. 455-474. doi:10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236 - Guo, X. and Mei, N (2016) 'Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects', Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C, 34(2), pp. 77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 - Boyapati, R., Peeta, J., Dhulipalla, R., Kolaparthy, L., Adurty, C. and Cheruvu, R.N.S (2024) 'Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: a randomized controlled trial', Dental and Medical Problems, 61(2), pp. 181-190. doi:10.17219/dmp/156425 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.17219/dmp/156425 - Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K. and Aminiyan, A (2019) 'The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review', Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 44(1), pp. 1-9. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20effect%20of%20Aloe%20vera%20clinical%20trials%20on%20prevention%20and%20healing%20of%20skin%20wound%3A%20a%20systematic%20review - Gao, Y., Kuok, K.I., Jin, Y. and Wang, R (2018) 'Biomedical applications of Aloe vera', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(sup1), pp. S244-S256. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320 - Feily, A. and Namazi, M.R (2009) 'Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review', Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 144(1), pp. 85-91. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Aloe%20vera%20in%20dermatology%3A%20a%20brief%20review - Sierra-Garcia, G.D., Castro-Rios, R., Gonzalez-Horta, A., Lara-Arias, J. and Chavez-Montes, A (2014) 'Acemannan, an extracted polysaccharide from Aloe vera: a literature review', Natural Product Communications, 9(8), pp. 1217-1221. doi:10.1177/1934578x1400900836 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1400900836 - World Health Organization (1999) 'Aloe Vera Gel'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Femenia A, Sánchez ES, Simal S, Rosselló C. Compositional features of polysaccharides from Aloe vera (1999) ';39(2):109-117', 39(2). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B39%282%29%3A109-117. - Catalano A, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, et al. Aloe vera - An extensive review focused on recent studies. Foods. 2024;13 (2024) ';13(13):2155', 13(13). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B13%2813%29%3A2155. - Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44 (2019) ';44(1):1-9', 44(1). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/ - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aloe vera. NIH. 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera (2020) 'https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera'. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera Traditional / reference
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera - Sahu PK, Giri DD, Singh R, et al. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: A review. Pharmacol Pharm. 2013;4:599-610 (2013) ';4:599-610'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B4%3A599-610. - Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents. Molecules. 2020;25 (2020) ';25(6):1324', 25(6). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144722/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144722/ - Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53 (2008) ';53(4):163-166', 53(4). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/ - Ulbricht C, Armstrong J, Basch E, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of Aloe vera by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2008;7 (2008) ';7(3-4):279-323'. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/ Traditional / reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/ - Haroon, N. and Amjad, A. and Maaz, M. and Noman, A.M. and Anees, N. and Muhammad, Z. and Shah, M. and Al Abdulmonem, W (2026) 'Phytochemistry, Bioavailability, and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Multitarget Anticancer Activity of Aloe vera', Nutrients, 18(12), pp. 2034. doi:10.3390/nu18122034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18122034 - Chen, S.-H. and Lin, K.-Y. and Chang, C.-C. and Fang, C.-L. and Lin, C.-P (2007) 'Aloe-emodin-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(11), pp. 2296-2303. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005 - Li, Q. and Wen, J. and Yu, K. and Shu, Y. and He, W. and Chu, H. and Zhang, B. and Ge, C (2018) 'Aloe-emodin induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 cells', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), pp. 296. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z - Arcella, A. and Sanchez, M (2021) 'Natural substances to potentiate canonical glioblastoma chemotherapy', Journal of Chemotherapy, 33(5), pp. 276-287. doi:10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633 - Zhu, M. and He, Q. and Wang, Y. and Duan, L. and Rong, K. and Wu, Y. and Ding, Y. and Mi, Y. and Ge, X. and Yang, X. and Yu, Y (2023) 'Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, pp. 1238841. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841 - Kim, H.J. and Choi, J.W. and Ree, J. and Lim, J.S. and Lee, J. and Kim, J.I. and Thapa, S.B. and Sohng, J.K. and Park, Y.I (2022) 'Aloe emodin 3-O-glucoside inhibits cell growth and migration and induces apoptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer cells via suppressing MEK/ERK and Akt signalling pathways', Life Sciences, 300, pp. 120495. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N. and Punthanitisarn, S (2016) 'Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), pp. 180-188. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12382 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12382 - Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N. and Punthanitisarn, S (2016) 'Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), pp. 180-188. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12382 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12382 - Gardening Know How 'Aloe Vs. Agave Plants: What's The Difference Between Aloe And Agave'. Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm Traditional / reference
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm - Ricks, M.R. and Vogel, P.S. and Elston, D.M. and Hivnor, C (1999) 'Purpuric agave dermatitis', Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40(2 Pt 2), pp. 356-8. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8 - Genillier-Foin, N. and Avenel-Audran, M (2007) 'Purpuric contact dermatitis from Agave americana', Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie, 134(5 Pt 1), pp. 477-8. doi:10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0
- Mousavi, S.M., Hashemi, S.A., Behbudi, G., Mazraedoost, S. and others (2021) 'A Review on Health Benefits of Malva sylvestris L. Nutritional Compounds for Metabolites, Antioxidants, and Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Applications', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, pp. 5548404. doi:10.1155/2021/5548404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5548404 - Gasparetto, J.C., Martins, C.A., Hayashi, S.S., Otuky, M.F. and others (2012) 'Ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of Malva sylvestris L.: a millennial herbal medicine', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 64(2), pp. 172-189. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01383.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01383.x - Wu, Y., Qiu, A., Yang, Z., Wu, J. and others (2019) 'Malva sylvestris extract alleviates the astrogliosis and inflammatory stress in LPS-induced depression mice', Journal of Neuroimmunology, 336, pp. 577029. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577029 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577029 - Ben Saad, A., Rjeibi, I., Brahmi, D., Smida, A. and others (2016) 'Malva sylvestris extract protects upon lithium carbonate-induced kidney damages in male rat', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 84, pp. 1099-1107. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.026 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.026 - Zuo, H., Li, Y., Cui, Y. and An, Y (2017) 'Cardioprotective effect of Malva sylvestris L. in myocardial ischemic/reperfused rats', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 95, pp. 679-684. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.111 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.111 - Benso, B., Rosalen, P.L., Alencar, S.M. and Murata, R.M (2015) 'Malva sylvestris Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Oral Human Cells. An In Vitro Infection Model', PLoS One, 10(10), pp. e0140331. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140331 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140331 - Prudente, A.S., Sponchiado, G., Mendes, D.A.G.B., Soley, B.S. and others (2017) 'Pre-clinical efficacy assessment of Malva sylvestris on chronic skin inflammation', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 93, pp. 852-860. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.083 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.083 - Mohaghegh, Z., Golfakhrabadi, F., Faal Siahkal, S., Dastoorpoor, M. and others (2022) 'The Effect of Malva sylvestris Cream on Episiotomy Pain and Healing: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial', International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery, 10(4), pp. 248-258. doi:10.30476/IJCBNM.2022.95772.2082 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.30476/IJCBNM.2022.95772.2082 - Areesanan, A., Nicolay, S., Keller, M., Zimmermann-Klemd, A.M. and others (2023) 'Potential benefits of Malva sylvestris in dry-eye disease pathology in vitro based on antioxidant, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 168, pp. 115782. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115782 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115782 - Martins, C.A., Weffort-Santos, A.M., Gasparetto, J.C., Trindade, A.C. and others (2014) 'Malva sylvestris L. extract suppresses desferrioxamine-induced PGE2 and PGD2 release in differentiated U937 cells', Biomedical Chromatography, 28(7), pp. 986-993. doi:10.1002/bmc.3106 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/bmc.3106 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Malva sylvestris L., folium and flos (Malvae folium / Malvae sylvestris flos)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae-folium Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae-folium - Paul, Z.A. and Malla, A.T. and Dar, M.A. and Masoodi, M.H (2024) 'Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Malva sylvestris L.: A Detailed Insight', Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, 27(16), pp. 2309--2322. doi:10.2174/0113862073269336231009110313 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073269336231009110313 - Batiha, G.E. and Tene, S.T. and Teibo, J.O. and Shaheen, H.M. and Oluwatoba, O.S. and Teibo, T.K.A. and Al-Kuraishy, H.M. and Al-Garbee, A.I. and Alexiou, A. and Papadakis, M (2022) 'The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of Malva sylvestris: a review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 396(3), pp. 421--440. doi:10.1007/s00210-022-02329-w Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-022-02329-w
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.