Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Hibiscus 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
Hibiscus and Mallow: both belong to the Malvaceae family; 1 pharmacological action in common.
Key Constituents
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
Lowers blood pressure, with the greatest effect in people with raised blood pressure
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 antidiabetic action
inferred from antihypertensive action
Lowers blood pressure, with the greatest effect in people with raised blood pressure
inferred from lipid-lowering action
inferred from antidiabetic 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
Its blood-pressure-lowering effect can add to that of antihypertensive medicines; monitor blood pressure if you take them. Note that it is not superior to standard antihypertensive drugs and did not significantly lower blood pressure in the metabolic-syndrome subgroup.
May alter the absorption or levels of some medicines (e.g. paracetamol, chloroquine); avoid concentrated or medicinal doses in pregnancy.
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
Erect, branching annual to short-lived perennial shrub with reddish stems and deeply lobed, palmate leaves. Pale yellow to pink hibiscus-type flowers with a dark centre open briefly, followed by the fleshy, bright red calyx (sepals) that swells around the seed capsule - this calyx, not the flower petals, is the part harvested and used.
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 West Africa; widely cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics (Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America) for its edible calyces.
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
The fleshy red calyces are hand-picked shortly after the flower petals fall, while still fresh and plump, then separated from the seed pod and dried for storage.
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
Hibiscus calyx (known as roselle, sorrel or karkade in different regions) has a long traditional use across Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean as a tart, cooling beverage and folk remedy for fevers and mild hypertension; this traditional blood-pressure-lowering reputation is now well supported by clinical trials of hibiscus tea/extract.[4]
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
Clinical trials for blood pressure commonly use around 1.5-3 g of dried calyx (roughly one to two cups of tea) daily. 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
Pairings
Hibiscus and olive leaf can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[15, 16]
Hibiscus and black seed (Nigella sativa) can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[15, 17]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Da-Costa-Rocha, I., Bonnlaender, B., Sievers, H., Pischel, I. and Heinrich, M (2014) 'Hibiscus sabdariffa L. - a phytochemical and pharmacological review', Food Chemistry, 165, pp. 424-443. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.002 - Riaz, G. and Chopra, R (2018) 'A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 102, pp. 575-586. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.023 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.023 - Abdelmonem, M., Ebada, M.A., Diab, S., Ahmed, M.M., Zaazouee, M.S. and others (2022) 'Efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Reducing Blood Pressure in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Randomized Controlled Trials', Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 79(1), pp. e64--e74. doi:10.1097/FJC.0000000000001161 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/FJC.0000000000001161 - Ellis, L.R., Zulfiqar, S., Holmes, M., Marshall, L., Dye, L. and Boesch, C (2022) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers', Nutrition Reviews. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuab104 - Jamrozik, D., Borymska, W. and Kaczmarczyk-Zebrowska, I (2022) 'Hibiscus sabdariffa in Diabetes Prevention and Treatment - Does It Work? An Evidence-Based Review', Foods, 11(14), pp. 2134. doi:10.3390/foods11142134 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11142134 - Aziz, Z., Wong, S.Y. and Chong, N.J (2013) 'Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on serum lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 150(2), pp. 442-450. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.042 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.042 - Wahabi, H.A., Alansary, L.A., Al-Sabban, A.H. and Glasziou, P (2009) 'The effectiveness of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the treatment of hypertension: a systematic review', Phytomedicine, 17(2), pp. 83-86. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.09.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.09.002 - Hopkins, A.L., Lamm, M.G., Funk, J.L. and Ritenbaugh, C (2013) 'Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies', Fitoterapia, 85, pp. 84-94. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003 - Joven, J., March, I., Espinel, E., Fernandez-Arroyo, S., Rodriguez-Gallego, E., Aragones, G., Beltran-Debon, R., Alonso-Villaverde, C., Rios, L., Martin-Paredero, V., Menendez, J.A., Micol, V., Segura-Carretero, A. and Camps, J (2014) 'Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 58(6), pp. 1374-1378. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201300774 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300774 - Bourqui, A., Niang, E.A.B., Graz, B., Diop, E.A., Dahaba, M., Thiaw, I., Soumare, K., Valmaggia, P., Nogueira, R.C., Cavin, A., Al-Anbaki, M. and Seck, S.M (2020) 'Hypertension treatment with Combretum micranthum or Hibiscus sabdariffa, as decoction or tablet: a randomized clinical trial', Journal of Human Hypertension, 35(9), pp. 800-808. doi:10.1038/s41371-020-00415-1 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-020-00415-1 - Perez-Torres, I., Ruiz-Ramirez, A., Banos, G. and El-Hafidi, M (2013) 'Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus (Malvaceae), curcumin and resveratrol as alternative medicinal agents against metabolic syndrome', Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 11(1), pp. 25-37. doi:10.2174/1871525711311010006 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871525711311010006 - Najafpour Boushehri, S., Karimbeiki, R., Ghasempour, S., Ghalishourani, S.S., Pourmasoumi, M. and others (2020) 'The efficacy of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on selected cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials', Phytotherapy Research, 34(2), pp. 329--339. doi:10.1002/ptr.6541 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6541 - Garcia-Munoz, A.M., Garcia-Guillen, A.I., Victoria-Montesinos, D., Abellan-Ruiz, M.S., Alburquerque-Gonzalez, B. and Canovas, F (2023) 'Effect of the Combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa with Other Plant Extracts in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Foods. doi:10.3390/foods12112269 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112269 - Abdelmonem, M., Ebada, M.A., Diab, S., Ahmed, M.M., Zaazouee, M.S., Essa, T.M., ElBaz, Z.S., Ghaith, H.S., Abdella, W.S., Ebada, M. and Negida, A (2022) 'Efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Reducing Blood Pressure in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Randomized Controlled Trials', Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 79(1), pp. e64-e74. doi:10.1097/FJC.0000000000001161 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/FJC.0000000000001161 - Serban, C., Sahebkar, A., Ursoniu, S., Andrica, F. and Banach, M (2015) 'Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Hypertension, 33(6), pp. 1119-1127. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000000585 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000000585 - Ismail, M.A., Norhayati, M.N. and Mohamad, N (2021) 'Olive leaf extract effect on cardiometabolic profile among adults with prehypertension and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PeerJ, 9, pp. e11173. doi:10.7717/peerj.11173 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11173 - Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049
- 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.