Investigating the biochemical characteristics of different species of the medicinal plant of Marshmallow (Althaea L.)

Subject Areas : Medicinal Plants

Saiedeh Salavati ¹ , Mehdi Kakaei ²

1 - Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2024-10-24 Accepted : 2025-02-02 Published : 2025-03-21

Keywords: Biochemical compounds Flower Leaf Marshmallow Species Stem,

Abstract :

Marshmallow (Althaea spp.) is an ornamental and medicinal plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family and the Althaea genus, serving as one of the most significant plant sources of antioxidant compounds. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of species type and aerial organ type on the biochemical characteristics of this plant. This study was conducted following the accurate identification of two species of the Althaea plant, namely Althaea rosea with red flowers and Althaea officinalis with white flowers, gathered from the Asadabad city habitat situated in the western region of Hamedan province. Some of the biochemical traits include protein percentage, total polyphenol, essential oil, phosphorus, iron, dry matter percentage, soluble carbohydrate, Diphenyl Picrylhydrazyl free radical inhibition rate, calcium, sodium and potassium in the aerial organs of this plant including leaves, stems and flowers were measured. The results showed that the effect of plant species on protein percentage, the effect of organ type on protein percentage, total polyphenol, essential oil, phosphorus, and iron, as well as the mutual effect of both treatments on dry matter percentage, soluble carbohydrate, Diphenyl Picrylhydrazyl inhibition rate, and plant calcium percentage, were significant. The highest amounts of protein, total polyphenol and iron were found in leaf organs and the highest amounts of essential oil and phosphorus were found in flower organs. The highest percentage of dry matter and soluble carbohydrates were obtained in the flower and stem of red flower marshmallow, respectively, and the highest percentage of calcium and antioxidant capacity were obtained in its leaves. Understanding the characteristics of each Althaea plant species and identifying the aerial organs of this medicinal plant that excel in storing the necessary compounds can lead to cost reduction, increased production, profit, and the enhanced utilization of herbal medicinal products in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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