Abstract

Althaea officinalis belongs to family Malvaceae. It is one of the medicinal plants used therapeutically since ancient time. The leaves of the A. officinalis plant as well as the root are used as medicine. Roots of A. officinalis contain mucilage, flavonoids and glycosides, additionally the leaves contain the coumarin scopoletin. Due to having valuable secondary metabolites it exert potential therapeutic effect. In vitro and in vivo study of A. officinalisindicates significant pharmacological activity in the cough, irritation of the throat, gastric inflammation, anti-tumor, antiviral and immunostimulant. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, effects on mucociliary transport, adhesion of polysaccharide to buccal membranes and reduction of cough are reported.

Key words: Pharmacological activity, Althaea officinalis, pectin.