A Comprehensive Review on Althaea rosea Linn

Abstract

Althaea rosea is a stately ornamental plant, producing large single, semi-double, double or frilled flowers of many colours belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is commonly known as Hollyhock. The aim of this review is to reveal the comprehensive information about Althaea rosea, to highlight the areas of research have been carried out in this drug and to promote further studies in this particular plant. Data were gathered from ethnobotanical books, traditional texts books, monographs, scientific journals and databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, etc. The herbs can best be grown during the winter in the plains, but where the monsoon is not heavy; it also grows during the rains. Under moderate climatic conditions, it has been grown throughout the year in the plains. Propagation is generally through seeds. The main parts used in medicine are roots, leaves, seeds and flowers. The fruits and leaves contain primary alcohols, cyclohexanol, limonene, phellandrene, β-sitosterol, sucrose, glucose and mannose. Linoleic acid is the major constituent of the seed oil. The plant is having mucilaginous, demulcent, emollient, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and febrifugal property. This is beneficial for chest complains, gastrointestinal disorders, boils, abscesses, skin cuts, ulcers, burns, peptic ulceration, renal calculi, kidney disorders, cough, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, asthma, bronchitis and many more. Though, it is evident that the Althaea rosea possesses various medicinal properties, very few studies have been carried out to prove its effects scientifically, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, analgesic, antibiotic, antioxidant, antiurolithiatic, immunomodulatory, etc. Hence, it is suggested that relevant studies should be carried out in this particular plant to utilize its maximum benefits