From http://www.abcvitaminslife.com/healthnotes/healthnotes.aspx?org=abcvitamins&contentid=3263004 It says that "one carbohydrate in Mallow has been shown to inhibit a component of the immune system known as the complement cascade. Excessive activation of the complement cascade has been implicated in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders." This would probably be the reason as to why Malva is anti-inflammatory. However, I would like to know if a slight suppression of the complement cascade is negative on an otherwise healthy person. I have eaten many handfuls of the seeds (or "cheeses"), enough to make me full, and I have not suffered any ill effects. The same website says that Malva increases white blood cell count and appears to be anti-cancer. The way I understand the complement cascade is that it is a function of the immune system that is a sequence of 26 proteins resulting in the destruction of certain cells, usually viruses or bacteria. Also what category on this forum would be good for my question
As to the latter, I'd say "Herbs: Medicinal". Perhaps you might consult a medically-oriented forum. ?
