Country mallow, or Sida cordifolia (linn). is a tonic, astringent, emollient, and aphrodisiac. It contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The herb has the potential to increase pain tolerance, and has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. It can also relieve anxiety. Sida cordifolia oils are used as topical applications to relieve sore muscles and joints. The herb also has antimicrobial activity and is an adaptogen. Medicated Sida cordifolia oil is used for massage to relieve pain and swelling. It has been described in Ayurvedic literature as having rejuvenating effect on muscle tissue.1 The key phytochemical constituents of Sida cordifolia include alkaloids, flavonoids, lignin, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, and fixed oils.2

It can be used for the cure of external wounds or imperfections of the skin. It helps in building the muscle tissue, and boosts the strength and therefore, imparts a rejuvenating effect.1 This herb has antirheumatic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.3 Sida cordifolia has been shown to accelerate wound contraction, and increase tensile strength of excision, incision and burn wounds in experimental models.3,4 Sida cordifolia can also relieve pain.3

A study assessed the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Sida cordifolia with four different strains of bacteria and nine fungi. The herb exhibited inhibitory activity against the microorganisms tested with an efficacy of 80%. The essential oil exhibited the best performance when tested against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Candida guilliermondii and Trichosporon inkin.5 The herb also has inhibitory action against Escherichia faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.6

Sida cordifolia has potential health benefits on account of its antirheumatic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties and it is a potent rejuvenating herb.

References

1. Jain A, Choubey A, Singour PK, et al. Sida cordifolia (Linn) – An overview. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 2011;1(2):23-31.
2. Sivapalan SR. Phytochemical study on medicinal plant – Sida cordifolia Linn. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development 2015;2(1):200-204.
3. Galal A, Raman V, Khan IA. Sida cordifolia, a Traditional Herb in Modern Perspective – A Review. Current Traditional Medicine 2015;1:5-17.
4. Pawar RS, Chaurasiya PK, Rajak H, et al. Wound healing activity of Sida cordifolia Linn. in rats. Indian J Pharmacol 2013;45:474-8.
5. Nunes XP, Maia GLA, Almeida JRGS, et al. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Sida cordifolia L. Rev Bras Farmacogn. 2006;16(Suppl.):642-44.
6. Mallikarjuna G, Prabhakaran V, Sree Lakshmi K. Pharmacological activities of Sida cordifolia: A review. International Journal of Phytopharmacology 2013;4(5):315-21.