Efficacy of the Malva sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract for functional constipation: A placebo-controlled trial
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Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Mahin Elsagh1, Mohammad Reza Fartookzadeh2, Mohammad Kamalinejad3
1Research Institute for Islamic and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of Malva sylvestris L. flowers extract for treatment of FC.
Method:
Adults with FC were allocated to receive the M. sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract syrup (MSL, 1 g extract/day) or placebo for four weeks. Frequency of constipation symptoms and stool forms were assessed every week. Self-reported improvement was assessed after treatment.
Results:
Compared with placebo, more increase was observed in defecation frequency (F = 18.8, P < 0.001) and more decrease was observed in frequency of all constipation symptoms by MSL (F = 16.5 to 25.3, all P values <0.001). Also, the MSL group experienced more reduction in frequency of hard stool forms (45.4% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.001) and reported more improvement in all symptoms (all P values <0.01) than placebo.
Conclusion:
The M. sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract is efficacious and safe for the treatment of FC in adult patients. Investigating the mechanisms of action is warranted. IRCT2014031617032N1.
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