ESCOP monographs The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Online series. Althaeae radix (Marshmallow root). Exeter: ESCOP; 2019.
Althaea radix
Marshmallow root
Althaea officinalis L.
Published 2019
Format: PDF
Summary
The herbal monograph selects and summarizes scientific studies and
textbooks regarding efficacy, dosage and safety to support the
therapeutic uses of marshmallow root.
This herbal drug by definition consists of the peeled or unpeeled, whole or cut, dried root of Althaea officinalis L.
Studies with its main characteristic constituents the mucilage
polysaccharides, such as rhamnogalacturonans, arabinans, glucans and
arabinogalactans are included.
The therapeutic indications are dry cough, irritation of the oral or
pharyngeal mucosa and for symptomatic relief of mild gastrointestinal
discomfort and irritation of the gastric mucosa. Administration of
marshmallow root addresses posology; its duration of use;
contra-indications; special warnings; special precautions for use;
interactions with other medicinal products; other forms of interaction;
in pregnancy and lactation; its effects on ability to drive; undesirable
effects; overdose.
In vitro experiments with marshmallow root mucilage or its
extracts demonstrated antibacterial, mucilage protective and antioxidant
properties.
In vivo experiments with isolated root mucilage polysaccharides
or marshmallow root extracts demonstrated antitussive,
anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and an increase of macrophage
phagocytic activity.
Controlled clinical studies with marshmallow root extract demonstrated
its use as an antitussive in adults and reduced cough intensity as well
as cough frequency in children with cough.
Clinical safety data were assessed in human studies. Two adverse events
were not attributed to marshmallow root and tolerability was reported as
very good.
The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at bringing
together relevant information about the possible physiological roles of
marshmallow root and its major constituents.
Keywords
- Althaea radix
- Marshmallow root
- Althaea officinalis L.
- Dry cough
- Irritation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa
- Irritation of gastric mucosa
- Gastrointestinal discomfort