What is the primary medicinal attribute concentrated in mallow leaves, flowers, and roots?

High mucilage content

The core medicinal value of the common mallow plant, found across its leaves, flowers, and roots, stems from its high concentration of mucilage. Mucilage is chemically defined as a complex mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This substance is notable because it possesses the unique ability to become gelatinous when it interacts with water, leading to the formation of a gel. This gel-forming capacity is the foundational element driving the plant's renowned applications in herbalism, particularly where soothing or coating internal linings is desired. While other compounds like flavonoids are present and offer secondary benefits, the mucilage content is universally recognized as the primary source of its well-regarded therapeutic properties.