Action Bark—anthelmintic, refrigerant, hypnotic, given in intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers. Leaves—inhibit the growth
Malva sylvestris Linn. 395
of a number of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria.
The fruit contains malic (90—95% of the total acids), citric, lactic and succinic acids; (unripe fruit contains quinic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid); caffeic acid derivatives, pectins, minerals and vitamins.
Edible portion of fresh apple contains thiamine 0.12, riboflavin 0.03, niacin 0.2 and ascorbic acid 2 mg!100 g. The ascorbic acid content varies widely and values up to 40 mg!100 g. Sugars constitute about 80% of the total carbohydrates of ripe fruits—fructose (60), glucose (25) and sucrose (15%). The pectin content of the edible portion varies from 0.14 to 0.96% (as calcium pectate). The uronic acid content of apple pectin varies from 0.5 to 15%.
The astringent principles of apple include tannins, tannin derivatives and colouring materials (flavones). The browning of apple slices on exposure to air is due to enzymic oxidation of tannin compounds.
Fresh juice contains 0.20—0.80 malic acid, 11.6 total sugars and 0.021— 00.080% tannin.
The seeds contain cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin (0.62—1.38%, HCN equivalent, 0.037—00.087%).
Malva rotundifolia Linn. Synonym M. neglecta Wall.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Simla, Kumaon and plains of North India.
English Round-leaved Mallow, Drawf Mallow, Cheese Cake Flower.
Ayurvedic Suvarchalaa. Unani Khubhaazi, Gul-Khair. Action Leaves—demulcent, emollient; used in glycosuria, stomach disorders and as emmenagogue; used as poultice for maturing abscesses. Seeds—demulcent; prescribed in bronchitis, cough, inflammation of the bladder and haemorrhoids.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a different herb.
Malva sylvestris Linn.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Temperate Himalayas from
Punjab to Kumaon, up to 2,400 m;
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu.
English Common Mallow, Blue Mallow, High Mallow.
