Evidence supporting the use of: Indian mallow
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems across India and Southeast Asia for managing respiratory ailments, including colds accompanied by fever. Traditional formulations often employ decoctions, infusions, or powders made from the leaves, roots, or whole plant to alleviate symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and mild fever.
The rationale behind its traditional use lies in its perceived antipyretic (fever-reducing), anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Some ethnobotanical surveys document its frequent inclusion in household remedies for respiratory complaints. However, direct scientific validation for its efficacy against colds and fever is limited. A few laboratory studies have suggested the presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and polysaccharides in Abutilon indicum, which may possess anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activities, but these have not been conclusively linked to clinical effectiveness in treating viral colds or fever in humans.
In summary, while there is a strong traditional basis for using Indian mallow to support or treat colds with fever, robust scientific evidence is lacking. Most modern references to its use for this purpose rely on ethnomedical reports rather than clinical trials or systematic pharmacological research.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Indian mallow
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids