REDISCOVERING THE FLORAL PROPERTIES OF ABUTILON INDICUM (L.) SWEET: A PHARMACOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF ITS THERAPEUTIC CAPABILITIES

REDISCOVERING THE FLORAL PROPERTIES OF ABUTILON INDICUM (L.) SWEET: A PHARMACOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF ITS THERAPEUTIC CAPABILITIES

G. Vasanthan * and K. Thamaraikavi

Department of Pharmacology, Sir ISSAC Newton College of Pharmacy, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT: Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, commonly referred to as Thuthi or Country Mallow, is a perennial plant celebrated for its medicinal benefits, especially its flowers, which have been extensively utilized in traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The flowers are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, which contribute to a variety of therapeutic properties. These include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, making them an important natural resource for addressing numerous health concerns. In traditional medicine, Thuthi flowers are valued for their demulcent properties, which help to soothe and heal irritated tissues. They are also used to promote digestive health, acting as a mild laxative and diuretic. Additionally, Thuthi flowers are applied in the treatment of respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma, due to their bronchodilatory and expectorant effects. The plant’s detoxifying properties and its ability to support overall vitality further enhance its therapeutic profile. Contemporary scientific studies have started to validate these traditional uses, confirming the flowers' antioxidant activity, which may help mitigate oxidative stress a major contributor to chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Moreover, the flowers’ antimicrobial properties have shown promise in combating infections. However, further investigation is required to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these therapeutic effects. This review highlights the pharmacological properties of Thuthi flowers and explores their potential applications in modern healthcare, while underscoring the need for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the continued availability of this valuable medicinal plant.

Keywords: Abutilon indicum (L.), Pharmacological activity, Medicinal properties, Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine

INTRODUCTION: Abutilon indicum, commonly known as Indian mallow or country mallow, is a flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family ¹. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia, and has been widely introduced to other parts of the world ². The plant is a small shrub or subshrub, typically growing to a height of 1-2 meters ³.

It has heart-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers, which can be yellow, orange, red, or purple ⁴. Abutilon indicum has a long history of use in traditional medicine in various cultures. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, bronchitis, and skin diseases ⁵.

In Chinese medicine, it is used to treat urinary tract infections and inflammation ⁶. In African traditional medicine, it is used to treat malaria, diarrhea, and wounds ⁷. Abutilon indicum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins ⁸. These compounds are responsible for the plant's medicinal properties.

For example, flavonoids have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties ⁹. Terpenoids have been shown to have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties ¹⁰. Saponins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant properties ¹¹. Numerous studies have investigated the pharmacological activities of Abutilon indicum. These studies have shown that the plant has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities ¹². For example, one study found that an extract of Abutilon indicum was effective in reducing inflammation in mice ¹³. Another study found that an extract of the plant was effective in killing bacteria that cause urinary tract infections ¹⁴.

FIG. 1: PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF COUNTRY MALLOW FLOWER (ABUTILON INDICUM)

Pharmacological Properties:

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Abutilon indicum is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, largely due to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds have been shown to inhibit key inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, reducing inflammation in conditions like arthritis and gout ^{15, 16}. Studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammation in various tissues, including joint and muscle tissues, making it a promising alternative for managing inflammatory diseases ¹⁷.

Antioxidant Activity: Abutilon indicum’s rich polyphenolic content, particularly flavonoids, provides potent antioxidant activity. This property helps neutralize free radicals, which in turn prevents oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases ^{18, 19}. The plant's antioxidant effects are key in protecting cellular structures from oxidative damage and promoting overall health ²⁰.

Antimicrobial Properties: Abutilon indicum’s antimicrobial properties are well-documented, with studies showing its effectiveness against a range of microbial pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses ²¹. The plant’s antibacterial effects are attributed to its ability to disrupt microbial cell walls and membranes, while its antifungal activity targets fungal cell growth ²². The antimicrobial potential positions it as a promising candidate for natural antibiotic alternatives and treatments for skin infections ²³.

Wound Healing: Abutilon indicum is traditionally used to accelerate wound healing, and modern research supports these claims. The plant’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and collagen-promoting properties contribute to faster tissue regeneration and wound closure ^{24, 25}. Clinical studies have shown that the flower extract enhances the healing of skin wounds by promoting epithelialization and tissue repair, confirming its historical use as a natural wound healer ²⁶.

Diuretic Effects: The diuretic properties of Abutilon indicum have been substantiated in both traditional practices and modern research. The flower extract promotes the excretion of excess fluid from the body, making it useful for managing edema, hypertension, and fluid retention ²⁷. The extract’s ability to reduce water and sodium retention supports kidney function and may help prevent kidney stones ²⁸.

Antidiabetic Properties: Recent studies have indicated that Abutilon indicum may help manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. The flower extract has shown promise in reducing hyperglycemia, particularly in animal models of type 2 diabetes ²⁹. The plant may also enhance glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, making it a potential adjunct to conventional diabetes treatments ³⁰.

Antipyretic Effects: Abutilon indicum is traditionally used as a febrifuge, with scientific studies supporting its ability to reduce fever. The flower extract modulates the inflammatory response, helping to regulate body temperature in febrile conditions such as colds, flu, and malaria ^{31, 32}. Its mechanism of action appears to involve the inhibition of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins.

Analgesic Properties: Abutilon indicum has been shown to possess analgesic effects, likely due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, which reduce pain and swelling ³³. The plant is traditionally used to treat headaches, joint pain, and muscle aches, and studies suggest that it may serve as a natural alternative to synthetic pain relievers ³⁴.

Aphrodisiac Qualities: Abutilon indicum has been traditionally considered an aphrodisiac in various cultures. It is believed to enhance sexual performance and libido, potentially by improving blood circulation and hormone regulation ³⁵. While scientific evidence on this aspect is limited, studies suggest its potential to affect sexual health through vasodilation and hormonal effects ³⁶.

Skin Care Applications: Abutilon indicum is increasingly used in skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help protect the skin from oxidative damage, treat acne, and reduce inflammation in conditions such as eczema ^{37, 38}. The plant is also used for its potential anti-aging benefits, reducing wrinkles and promoting skin health ³⁹.

CONCLUSION: Abutilon indicum (Indian mallow) demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties that support its use in both traditional and modern medicine. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects, among others, make it a valuable plant with significant therapeutic potential. While much of its traditional use is supported by scientific evidence, further research is necessary to isolate the active compounds, understand their mechanisms of action, and conduct clinical trials to confirm the plant's safety and efficacy. As interest in natural remedies grows, Abutilon indicum stands out as a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents, particularly in the areas of inflammation, infection, diabetes, and skin care. Future studies should focus on its clinical applications, safety profile, and the development of standardized formulations for therapeutic use.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Nil

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Nil

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    How to cite this article:

    Vasanthan G and Thamaraikavi K: Rediscovering the floral properties of Abutilon indicum (L.) sweet: a pharmacological exploration of its therapeutic capabilities. Int J Pharmacognosy 2025; 12(4): 294-97. doi link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.12(4).294-97.

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