Herb & supplement monograph

Chinese Mallow Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Chinese Mallow interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Chinese Mallow is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Chinese Mallow is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Chinese Mallow Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Chinese Mallow drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking diabetes medicines should pay closer attention. No interactions are rated major, and every listed interaction is a moderate concern resting on animal research rather than studies in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern in the data involves diabetes medications. Animal research suggests Chinese Mallow may lower blood sugar on its own, so combining it with drugs that already lower blood sugar could, in theory, push levels too low. Blood sugar is a closely watched number, so people using these medicines should be aware of this possibility even though it has not been confirmed in humans.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications can look worrying, but nearly all of it reflects this single theoretical concern applied across many individual diabetes drugs. Because the evidence comes from animal studies only, we do not yet know whether Chinese Mallow changes blood sugar in a meaningful way in people taking these medicines.

Check your medications against Chinese Mallow

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Chinese Mallow interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Chinese Mallow

86 medications have a known interaction with Chinese Mallow, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Chinese Mallow combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Chinese Mallow affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Chinese Mallow is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Chinese Mallow interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with Chinese mallow might increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests Chinese mallow has hypoglycemic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Chinese Mallow: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata) is a leafy plant used in traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, mostly for constipation, urinary complaints, and as a soothing demulcent. Strong scientific evidence in humans is lacking, so its benefits are mostly based on traditional use and early research. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name
Malva verticillata
Family
Malvaceae
Part used
Seeds, leaves, and flowers
Common forms
Tea, dried herb, powders, capsules, and topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Constipation
  • Digestive upset
  • Urinary problems
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Skin soothing (topical)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally regarded as food-like in small culinary amounts, but human safety data for concentrated supplements is limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Chinese Mallow is a leafy plant in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is widely grown in parts of Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, where its young leaves are eaten as a vegetable and its seeds and other parts are used in traditional medicine.

The plant is rich in natural plant gums called mucilage, which become slippery and gel-like when mixed with water. Because of this, it has long been used as a gentle, soothing remedy. People most commonly take it as a tea, dried herb, or supplement, and sometimes apply it to the skin.

Uses & effectiveness

In traditional medicine, Chinese Mallow has been used to ease constipation, soothe an upset stomach, support urination, and calm coughs and sore throats. The seeds in particular have a reputation as a mild laxative.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: most of these uses come from long-standing traditional practice and a small amount of laboratory or animal research. There are very few high-quality human studies, so we cannot say for certain how well it works for any specific health problem. If you are considering it for a medical condition, treat it as unproven and speak with a healthcare professional first.

How it works

The main active components are thought to be its mucilage (soothing plant gums) along with polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other plant compounds. Mucilage can coat and soothe irritated tissues and may help soften stool and add bulk, which is the proposed reason for its laxative effect.

Some laboratory and animal studies suggest the plant may have antioxidant or immune-related activity. These findings are early and have not been confirmed in well-designed human trials, so the real-world effects in people remain uncertain.

Safety & precautions

When eaten in small amounts as a food, mallow leaves are generally considered low-risk. However, the safety of concentrated supplements, strong teas, or large doses has not been well studied in humans.

People with chronic digestive conditions, those who are prone to diarrhea, and anyone with a bowel obstruction should be cautious, especially with seed preparations used as a laxative. Because reliable safety data is missing, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new herbal product, particularly if you take medications or have a health condition.

Side effects

Reported side effects are not well documented because of limited research. Based on its laxative and high-mucilage nature, possible effects include loose stools, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or stomach cramps, especially with larger amounts.

As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.

Dosing

There is no established standard dose for Chinese Mallow. Traditional preparations vary widely depending on the part used and the form, and reliable human dosing studies are lacking.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Because product strength and quality can differ, it is a good idea to review the label with a pharmacist who can help you decide if it is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Chinese Mallow & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Chinese Mallow & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Chinese Mallow monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Shimizu N, Tomoda M. Constituents of the seed of Malva verticillata. I. Structural features of the major neutral polysaccharide. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1987;35:4981-4. PubMed
  2. Jeong YT, Song CH. Antidiabetic activities of extract from Malva verticillate seed via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2011;21(90):921-9. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1104.04015.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Chinese Mallow

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Chinese Mallow.

Product directory

Supplement products with Chinese Mallow

9 products in our database contain Chinese Mallow. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chinese Mallow: Common Questions

Does Chinese Mallow interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Chinese Mallow. Use the checker above to see how Chinese Mallow interacts with a specific drug.
How are Chinese Mallow interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Chinese Mallow with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Chinese Mallow interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Chinese Mallow used for?
It is traditionally used for constipation, digestive upset, urinary complaints, and to soothe coughs and sore throats. These uses come mostly from traditional practice rather than strong human studies.
Is Chinese Mallow safe?
Eaten as a leafy vegetable in small amounts it is generally considered low-risk, but the safety of concentrated supplements is not well studied. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition.
Can I take Chinese Mallow while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.
Does Chinese Mallow help with constipation?
Its seeds and mucilage are traditionally used as a mild laxative, but strong human evidence is lacking. If constipation is ongoing, talk to a healthcare provider about proven options.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Chinese Mallow

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Chinese Mallow — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 9 products with Chinese Mallow →
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