Preparation of Althaeae flos (Marshmallow flower) monograph based on European Pharmacopoeia 6.0

Althaea (Marshmallow) herbs (Malvaceae) have been used for various disorders in Turkish folk medicine as well as in traditional medicine worldwide for centuries. In addition, flowers of herbal products are sold in the market under the name of ?hatmi?. However, only ?Althaeae folium (Marshmallow leaf) monograph? and ?Althaeae radix (Marshmallow root) monograph? exist in the scope of European Pharmacopoeia 6.0. Due to the fact that marshmallow flowers are sold more than marshmallow leaves and roots by sellers of herbs, the aim of the present study is to prepare ?Althaeae flos (Marshmallow flos) monograph? by predicating on ?Malvae sylvestris flos (Mallow flower) monograph? which is found in European Pharmacopoeia 6.0.In this study, botanical characteristics, chemical constituents of leaf, root and flower parts, pharmacological activities and usage information of Althaea herbs are examined in detail. 33 materials which are sold under the name of ?hatmi? are investigated in terms of the conformity to the signified analyses of European Pharmacopoeia 6.0 by taking ?Malvae sylvestris flos (Mallow flower) monograph? as a reference. The observations of macroscopic and microscopic, foreign matter, loss on drying, total ash, swelling index and HPTLC are conducted on each of materials. At the end of each experiment, the results obtained by experiments on materials have been evaluated in terms of the conformity to the signified standards of ?Malvae sylvestris flos (Mallow flower) monograph? in comparison with flowers of a mallow flower (Malva sylvestris) material and a hollyhock (Alcea sp.) material. In conclusion, ?Althaeae flos (Marshmallow flower) monograph? has been prepared in the format of European Pharmacopoeia 6.0, in accordance with all results and ?Malvae sylvestris flos (Mallow flower) monograph?.