The effect of malva sylvestris on inflammation, gastric damage, lipemia, glycemia and microbial growth. (c2006)

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long been used for the treatment of many diseases. Recently, several experimental studies have contributed scientific evidence for the pharmacological effects of these medicinal plants observed in folk medicine. The present work was performed to look at the medicinal effects of the aqueous extract of common mallow (Malva sylvestris) upon blood lipid profile, inflammation, glycemia, ulcer prevention and microbial growth. After a month period of administration of extract via drinking water (95, 380, and 950 mg/kg body weight), only triglyceride content was increased significantly in serum samples. No significant changes were witnessed in any other lipid parameter studied. No changes in serum glucose and insulin levels were recognized in the animals receiving the aqueous extract over the period of study. The extract appeared not to have a negative impact on the hepatocyte integrity assessed through the measurement of transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, an increase and decrease in stool triglyceride and cholesterol content were observed respectively. A 9.5% increase in stool water content was observed at the highest dose. The aqueous extract showed an anti-ulcer activity that was comparable with that of the reference drug (Cimetidine).The aqueous extract revealed an anti-inflammatory activity in the acute and chronic inflammation models induced by carageenan and formalin respectively. This activity was optimum at the 100 mg/kg body weight dose in both models of inflammation. In addition, the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried plant material were tested for any antimicrobial activity against 11 gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains; the methanolic extract was further tested against the yeast Candida albicans. None of the extracts exhibited inhibition zones in the Kirby-Bauer method at the tested concentrations. The present study shows that Malva sylvestris has no major impact on blood lipid profile and bacterial growth. Yet, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity is demonstrated. Further studies on the fractionated extract mode of action, and clinical assessment remain to be explored.