Efficacy of the Malva sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract for functional constipation: A placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

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. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.