HERBAL
MEDICINAL
PLANT
MARSHMALLOW
MARSHMALLOW
Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) +++
BY
RETTODWIKART THENU
MARSHMALLOW
(mahrsh’meh-low)
Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) +++
SUMMARY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT
In vitro and animal studies provide some supporting
evidence for the use of marshmallow in the treatment of cough, irritation of
the throat and gastric inflammation. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities,
effects on mucociliary transport, adhesion of polysaccharide to buccal
membranes and reduction of cough are reported. However, there is a lack of
clinical studies investigating the effects of marshmallow. Although no toxicity
data were located, the chemistry of marshmallow and its use in foods indicate
that there should not be any reason for concern regarding safety.
TRADE NAMES
Marshmallow
is'available from a number of manufacturers, often as Marshmallow Root.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
Moorish
Mallow, Cheeses, White Maoow, Althea, Mortification Root, Sweet Weed, Wymote,
Mallards,
Schloss
Tea
lthaea Root, Althea, Mortifi
Cation Root, Sweetweed, Wymote
DESCRIPTION
MEDICINAL PARTS: The medicinal
parts are the mallow flowers, leaves, syrup and roots.
FLOWER AND FRUIT: The reddish-white
flowers are usually in axillary or terminal clusters. The 6 to 9 sepals of the
epicalyx are fused at the base, pointed and 8 to 10 mm long. There are 5
sepals, 5 heart-shaped petals and numerous stamens fused together with the
anthers to a column. The ovaries are in a ring. There are numerous styles. The
mericarps are smooth and downy. The 5 to 8 mm fruit is disc-like and breaks up into
the mericarps, which are downy on the outside and often have fine, branched and
radiating ribs. The seeds are darkbrown, glabrous, kidney-shaped and somewhat
compressed.
LEAVES, STEM AND ROOT: The 60 to 120 cm
high, hardy, velvety plant has a thick erect root up to 50 cm long by a few cm
with secondary roots. The erect, succulent stem is usually woody at the base
but unbranched. The leaves are shortpetioled with an ovate, acute leaf-blade.
The secondary leaves are narrow and drooping. The lower leaves are 5- lobed,
and the upper cauline leaves are often triangular, wider than they are long,
and irregularly and roughly dentate.
HABITAT: The plant was originally
indigenous to Asia and then spread westward to southeast Europe and eastward to
China. In temperate latitudes, Marshmallow is established as a gardSFplant.
PRODUCTION: Marshmallow root
consists of the dried root, unpeeled or peeled, of Althaea officinalis. The
root cultures are harvested from October to November, and after cleaning, are
carefully dried at a maximum temperature of 35° C. Marshmallow leaves consist
of the dried leaves of Althaea officinalis. After harvest, the leaves are dried
at a temperature of 40° C.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH: May be confused
with other Althea species.
SPECIES (FAMILY)
Althaea
officinalis L. (Malvaceae)
SYNONYM(S)
Althaea, A. taurinensis
DC., A. kragujevacensis Panc.
ORIGIN
Marshmallow is a perennial
found in Europe and the United States.
PHARMACOPODIAL AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS
BHC 1992(G6)
BHP 1996(G9)
BP 2007(G84)
Complete German Commission E(G3)
ESCOP 2003(G76)
Martindale 35th edition(G85)
Ph Eur 2007(G81)
LEGAL CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)
GSL(G37)
CONSTITUENTS
The
following is compiled from several sources, including General References G2, G6
and G52.
Polysaccharides Mucilage
polysaccharides (5–10%), consisting of galacturono-rhamnans, arabinans,
glucans, arabinogalactans.(1, G52)
Flavonoids Hypolaetin
8-glucoside, isoscutellarein 40-methylether- 8-glucoside-200-sulfate.(2)
Phenolic Acids Caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic
and syringic.
Other Constituents Asparagine 2%, calcium
oxalate, coumarins (scopoletin), pectin, starch and tannin.
CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
COMPOUNDS
Mucilages: mixture of colloidally
soluble polysaccharides, particularly galacturonic rhamnans, arabinogalactans,
arabans and glucans
Pectins
Starch
USES
USES
Marshmallow is used traditionally to suppress cough and
relieve sore throat and gastric disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome,
gastritis, and constipation. Topically, it is used to treat minor skin
disorders.
FOOD USE
Marshmallow
is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring
(category N2). This category indicates that marshmallow can be added to
foodstuffs in small quantities, with a possible limitation of an active
principle (as yet unspecified) in the final product.(G16) Previously in the
USA, marshmallow has been approved for use in foods.(G41)
HERBAL USE
Marshmallow
is stated to possess demulcent, expectorant, emollient, diuretic, antilithic
and vulnerary properties.(G2, G4, G6– G8, G43, G52, G54,G64) Traditionally, it
has been used internally for the treatment of respiratory catarrh and cough,
peptic ulceration, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, enteritis, cystitis, urethritis
and urinary calculus, and topically for abscesses, boils and varicose and
thrombotic ulcers. The German Commission E approved use of root and leaf for irritation
of oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough and root for mild
inflammation of gastric mucosa.(G3) Marshmallow root is used in combination with
anise fruit, eucalyptus oil, liquorice and with anise fruit, liquorice and
primrose root and with anise fruit and primrose root for catarrh of the upper
respiratory tract and resulting dry cough.(G3)
Figure 1. Marshmallow
(Althaea officinalis).
Figure 2. Marshmallow
– dried drug substance (root).
ACTIONS
Very little primary research is available for
marshmallow. Existing studies focus primarily on its antitussive and
antiinfective properties.
Antitussive Action
One
study evaluated the antitussive action of marshmallow and other nonnarcotic antitussives
on cats (Nosal’ova et al, 1992). A nylon fi ber was used to mechanically stimulate
the mucous area of the respiratory system, and cough was evaluated on the basis
of lateral tracheal pressure. The antitussive effect of marshmallow was found to
be stronger than that of some of the nonnarcotic antitussives evaluated, which
are not available in the United States.
Antiinfective Action
In
a study focusing on the antiinfective properties of marshmallow and several
other herbs against Vibrio cholerae, marshmallow was found to be less
effective than some of the other plants evaluated (Guevara et al, 1994).
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
IN VITRO AND ANIMAL STUDIES
Antimicrobial
activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus
aureus has been documented for marshmallow.(3) The mucilage has demonstrated
considerable hypoglycaemic activity in non-diabetic mice.(4) Inhibition (17%)
of mucociliary transport in ciliated epithelium isolated from frog oesophagus
was observed with 200 mL of cold macerate of marshmallow root (6.4 g/140 mL).(G52)
Marshmallow root extract is reported to stimulate phagocytosis, and to release
oxygen radicals and leukotrienes from human neutrophils.(G52) In addition, release
of cytokines, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor from monocytes occurs,
demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In
mice, intraperitoneal administration of isolated polysaccharide (10 mg/kg)
resulted in activity of macrophages in a carbon clearance test, and was
indicative of non-specific immunomodulation.( G52) A lack of anti-inflammatory
activity has been observed for marshmallow in the carrageenan-induced rat paw
oedema test.(5) The anti-inflammatory effect of an ointment containing 0.05%
dexamethasone was enhanced by addition of aqueous extract of marshmallow (20%)
as assessed in a rabbit ear irritancy test using UV irradiation or furfuryl
alcohol.(G52) A total extract of root and isolated polysaccharide (100 and 50
mg/kg, respectively) have been tested for their antitussive activity in unanaesthetised
cats.(6) The polysaccharide gave a statistically significant decrease in the
number of cough efforts from laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial areas. The
root extract was less effective than the isolated polysaccharide. A
polysaccharide enriched extract showed moderate concentration- dependent
adhesive properties in porcine buccal membranes ex vivo.(7)
CLINICAL STUDIES
There
is a lack of clinical research assessing the effects of marshmallow and
rigorous randomised controlled clinical trials are required.
ACTIVITIES
Analgesic (f; BRU); Antibacterial (1; APA);
Anticomplementary (1; PHR; PH2); Antidote (f; APA); Antiinflammatory (2; BGB;
PHR; PH2); Antiirritant (2; KOM); Antilithic (f; CAN); Antiseptic (2; CAN); Antitussive
(2; BGB; BIS; LAF); Chelator (1; PED); Collyrium (f; DEP); Decongestant (f;
APA); Demulcent (1; APA; PIP; WAM); Deobstruent (f; TOM); Diuretic (1; APA;
CAN; PED); Emollient (1; BGB; BRU; PIP); Expectorant (f; APA; CAN; KAP; PED;
WO2); Hypoglycemic (1; APA; CAN; LAF; PH2); Immunostimulant (1; PHR; PH2; PIP;
WAM); Laxative (1; DEP; PED); Litholytic (f; PED); Mucogenic (1; PED);
Nephrotonic (f; WO2); Parasiticide (f; DEP); Pectoral (f; JFM); Phagocytotic
(2; BGB; BIS; KOM; PH2); Suppurative (f; DEP); Tonic (f; PED); Vermifuge (1;
PED); Vulnerary (f; BGB; PED).
INDICATIONS
Abscess (f; PHR; PH2); Arthrosis (f; PED); Asthma
(f; JFM, SKY); Bacteria (1; APA); Bite (f; DEP; PH2); Bronchosis (2; APA; PHR;
PH2; WO2); Bruise (1; APA; DEP; WOI); Burn (1; APA; DEP; PHR; PH2; WO2); Cancer
(f; TOM); Catarrh (1; BGB; CAN; PH2); Chafing (1; APA; SKY); Cholecystosis (1;
PED); Chilblain (1; SKY); Cold (1; SKY); Colic (f; DEP; TOM); Colosis (1; BIS;
BRU); Congestion (f; APA); Constipation (1; BRU; DEP; PED; PHR; PH2); Cough (2;
APA; BRU; DEP; KOM; PIP; PH2); Cramp (1; BRU); Crohn’s Disease (1; SKY);
Cystosis (1; APA; CAN; DEP; TOM); Dermatophyte (f; DEP); Dermatosis (1; BGB;
BRU; DEP; SKY); Diabetes (1; APA; PHR); Diarrhea (1; APA; LMP; PHR; PH2; WAM);
Dysentery (f; TOM); Dyspepsia (1; WAM); Dysuria (1; KAP; WAM); Eczema (1; BGB);
Enterosis (2; CAN; DEP; JFM; KOM; PH2); Erysipelas (f; TOM); Furunculosis (1;
BGB); Gastrosis (2; BIS; DEP; KOM; PH2; WAM); Gravel (1; DEP); Hemorrhoid (f;
TOM); Hoarseness (f; WO2); Hyperglycemia (1; APA; CAN; LAF; PH2); IBD (1; BIS);
IBS (1; BIS); Immunodepression (1; PHR; PH2; PIP; WAM); Inflammation (2; APA;
BGB; PHR; PH2; TOM); Itch (1; BRU; DEP); Mucososis (1; APA; PH2); Nephrosis (1;
APA; PED); Ophthalmia (f; DEP); Pain (1; BRU; DEP); Parasite (f; DEP); Pertussis
(f; WO2); Pharyngosis (2; BRU; CAN; KOM; PH2); Proctosis (f; BIS; TOM);
Respirosis (1; APA; BGB; TOM; WAM); Snakebite (f; KAP); Sore (1; CAN; PH2);
Sore Throat (2; APA; PH2; SKY; WAM); Sprain (f; DEP; WO2); Stomatosis (2; APA;
BRU; KOM; PH2; PIP); Stone (f; CAN; PED; TOM); Sunburn (1; APA); Tonsilosis (f;
JFM); Toothache (f; APA; DEP); Ulcer (1; BGB; CAN); Urethrosis (f; CAN; PH2);
UTI (f; WO2); Vaginosis (f; TOM); Varicosis (f; CAN); Water Retention (1; APA;
CAN; PED); Worm (1; PED); Wound (1; APA).
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by
Commission E:
• Cough/Bronchitis
Unproven Uses: Uses of the drug
include irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough;
mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa; as cataplasm for light inflammations
and skin burns; and for insect bites. In folk medicine, marshmallow is employed
for catarrh of the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, as
well as for inflammation, ulcers, abscesses, burns, constipation and diarrhea.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Capsules, Dried Flowers, Dried
Leaves, Dried Whole Root, Syrup
PLANT PARTS USED: Dried Flowers, Dried Leaves, Dried Root
DOSAGES
DOSAGES
Throat
Irritation
·
Adult PO syrup: 10 ml as a
single dose (Blumenthal, 1998)
Other
·
Adult PO dried leaves: 5 g
daily (Blumenthal, 1998)
·
Adult PO dried root: 6 g crude
herb daily (Blumenthal, 1998)
·
Adult PO powdered, crushed
plant: whole or part, 2 g/day
DOSAGES
Dosages
for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older and
contemporary standard herbal and/or pharmaceutical reference texts are given
below.
·
Dried
Leaf 2–5 g as an infusion
three times daily;(G6,G7) 5 g.(G3)
·
Leaf,
Liquid Extract 2–5mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.(G6, G7)
·
Ointment 5% Powdered althaea leaf in usual
ointment base three times daily.(G6, G7)
·
Dried
Root 2–5 g by cold extraction three times daily;(G6, G7) 6 g.(G3)
·
Root,
Liquid Extract 2–5mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.(G6, G7)
·
Syrup
of Althaea (BPC 1949) 2–10mL three times daily.(G6, G7)
DOSAGES
·
1 tsp leaf/cup water (APA); 5 g leaf/day (KOM; PH2); 2–5 g leaf
(1 tsp = 1.4 g) or in tea (BIS);
·
2–5 ml liquid leaf extract (PNC); 2–5 ml liquid leaf extract
(1:1 in 25% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN);
·
5–6 g root 3 ×/day (SKY); 6 g root/day (KOM; PH2); 3–10 g root (1
tsp = 3 g) (BIS); 1–2 tsp root/cup water (APA);
·
2–5 g root, or in cold tea, 3 ×/day (CAN); 10–15 g root/150 ml
water/90 minutes, warm to drink (PH2);
·
2–5 g dry root/day (PED); 1/8–1/3 cup fresh root (PED); 10 g
root syrup (APA); 2–8 ml root syrup (PNC);
·
2–5 ml liquid root extract (PNC); 2–5 ml liquid root extract
(1:1 in 25% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN);
·
5–15 ml root tincture 3 ×/day (SKY); 2–10 ml althea syrup 3 ×/day
(CAN);
·
6–8 g/200 cc sweet plant water (2 tbsp every 2 hours) (JFM); 20
g plant decoction in 1 liter water for tonsilitis (JFM).
DOSAGES
Mode of Administration: Cut leaves for
aqueous extracts as well as other galenic preparations for internal use. Cut or
ground root for aqueous extracts as well as other galenic preparations for
internal use. Marshmallow syrup is to be used only for treatment of dry coughs.
Note: Diabetics
need to consider sugar concentration of marshmallow syrup.
How Supplied:
Capsules — 460
mg
Cough mixture
Drops
Liquid —
Generally in syrup form, which is also called
"snail
juice": (1:1)
Powder
Tablets (coated
and uncoated)
Preparation: To prepare a tea,
use 10 to 15 g with 150 ml of cold water and allow to stand for 90 minutes,
then warm to drink.
Daily Dosage: The average
daily dose is 6 gm of the root and 5 gm of the leaf. The tea dosage is several
cups of the slightly warmed tea taken during the course of the day. A single
dose of the syrup is 10 gm.
Storage: The drug should be
protected from light sources and insects.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
GENERAL: No health hazards
or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of
designated therapeutic dosages.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The absorption
of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.
CONTRAINDICATIONS, INTERACTIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS
CLASS 1
(AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”
(PH2). Commission E reports
absorption
of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed (AEH; PH2). High
pectin/mucilage content may interfere with uptake of other pharmaceuticals,
especially hypoglycemics (CAN; KOM). May interfere with existing hypoglycemic
therapy (CAN). Safer than coffee in my book. Remote chance of gossypol.
Volatile acids, oils, and tannins may irritate the urinary tract (PED). Antimicrobial
activity against Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus
aureus. Mucilage can protect irritated mucous membranes and digestive,
respiratory, and urinary tract as well as skin (SKY). Did not show antiedemic
or antiinflammatory activity in carrageenan tests (CAN).
CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS
Drug Interactions None
documented. However, the potential for preparations of marshmallow to interact
with other medicines administered concurrently, particularly those with similar
or opposing effects, should be considered. Marshmallow may delay the absorption
of other medicines taken simultaneously.(G76) There is limited evidence from
preclinical studies that marshmallow has hypoglycaemic activity.
Pregnancy and Lactation There are no known problems with the use of marshmallow
during pregnancy or lactation. However, amounts ingested should not exceed
those used in foods.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy category is 3;
Breastfeeding category is 2A. Marshmallow, medicinally should not
be given to children. Persons who are hypersensitive to this herb should not
use it.
SIDE
EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS
ENDO: Hypoglycemia
GI: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
INTEG: Hypersensitivity reactions
INTERACTIONS
Drug
Antidiabetics: Marshmallow may increase hypoglycemic action of
antidiabetes agents (Jellin et al, 2008).
Iron salts: Marshmallow may reduce the absorption of iron salts;
separate by 2 hours.
Oral
medications: Marshmallow may reduce the
absorption of oral medications; do not use concurrently.
Herb
Hypoglycemic
herbs: Marshmallow may increase the
effects of hypoglycemic herbs (Jellin et al, 2008).
Lab Test
Blood glucose: Marshmallow decreases blood glucose.
EFFECTS
The drug
alleviates local irritation, inhibits mucociliary activity, stimulates
phagocytosis, and functions as an antiinflammatory and anticomplementary agent,
immune stimulant and hypoglycemic. Efficacy has been demonstrated when used as
a gargle for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat.
SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY
None documented. However, there is a lack of clinical safety and
toxicity data for marshmallow, and further investigation of these aspects is
required where therapeutic dosages are greater than the quantities ingested in
foods.
CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
ASSESS
·
Assess the reason the client is
using marshmallow.
·
Assess for hypersensitivity
reactions. If present, discontinue the use of marshmallow and administer an
antihistamine or other appropriate therapy.
·
Assess for oral medication or
antidiabetic use (see Interactions).
ADMINISTER
·
Instruct the client to store
marshmallow products in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.
TEACH CLIENT/FAMILY
·
Inform the client that
pregnancy category is 3 and breastfeeding category is 2A.
·
Caution the client not to give
marshmallow medicinally to children.
·
Advise diabetic clients to
avoid using this product.
PREPARATIONS
PROPRIETARY SINGLE-INGREDIENT
PREPARATIONS
Canada:
Butt-Out. France: Primadrill. Germany: Phytohustil.
PROPRIETARY MULTI-INGREDIENT
PREPARATIONS
Australia:
Althaea Complex; Cough Relief; Garlic and Horseradish þ C Complex; Hydrastis
Complex; Potassium Iodide and Stramonium Compound. Austria: Heumann's
Bronchialtee; Paracodin; The Chambard-Tee; Tuscalman. Belgium: Kamfeine. Brazil:
Asmatiron; Broncofenil; Bronquidex; Brontoss; Expectobron; Expectol; Iodeto de
Potassio; Iodeto de Potassio; Iol; Iolin; MM Expectorante; Peitoral Angico Pelotense;
Pulmoforte. Canada: Original Herb Cough Drops; Swiss Herb Cough Drops. Chile: Paltomiel
Plus; Pulmagol; Ramistos. Czech Republic: Detska Cajova Smes; Detsky Caj s Hermankem;
Nontusyl; Pruduskova; Pulmoran; Species Pectorales Planta. France: Mediflor
Tisane No 4 Diuretique. Germany: Heumann Bronchialtee Solubifix T; Tonsilgon. Italy:
Gastrotuss. Malaysia: Horseradish Plus. Russia: Linkus (Линкас); Pansoral
Teething (Пансорал Первые Зубы); Tonsilgon N (Тонзилгон Н). South Africa: Cough
Elixir. Spain: Bronpul; Llantusil; Malvaliz; Natusor Broncopul; Natusor Farinol;
Natusor Gastrolen; Natusor Malvasen; Pazbronquial; Senalsor. Switzerland: Malveol;
Tisane pectorale et antitussive; Tisane pectorale pour les enfants; Tisane
Provencale No 1; Tuscalman. UK: Antibron; Asthma & Catarrh Relief; Balm of Gilead;
Chest Mixture; Herb and Honey Cough Elixir; Herbelix; Herbheal Ointment;
Horehound and Aniseed Cough Mixture; Modern Herbals Cold & Catarrh; Modern
Herbals Cold & Congestion; Napiers Uva Ursi Tea; Potter's Catarrh Pastilles;
Sinotar; Vegetable Cough Remover. USA: Laci Le Beau Super Dieter's Tea.)
REFERENCE
Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal
Medicines Third Edition. Pharmaceutical Press. Auckland and
London.
Duke, J. A. with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K.
Duke. 2002. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed. CRC Press
LLC. USA.
Gruenwald, J., Brendler,
T., Jaenicke, Ch. 2000. PDR for Herbal
Medicines. Medical Economics Company, Inc. at Montvale, NJ
07645-1742. USA
Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural
Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA
Figure 3. Primary Chemical Components and Possible Actions
(Linda, S-R. 2010)
MARSHMALLOW
LEAF
PHARMACOLOGY
§ Herb: Marshmallow leaf (Althaeae folium). The herb consists
of the dried foliage leaves of Althaea officinalis L.
§ Important
constituents: 6–10 % mucilage (colloidal
polysaccharides and arabinogalactans)
§ Pharmacological
properties: Since mucilage has a coating
effect, it soothes irritated mucous membranes. Anti-inflammatory and
immunostimulatory effects have been shown in animals and in vitro.
INDICATIONS
§ Dry, unproductive cough
§ Irritations of the mouth and throat
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
None known.
DOSAGE AND
DURATION OF USE
– Tea: Steep
1–2 g of the dried herb in hot water.
• Dosage: One cup, several times a day.
– Daily dose: 5
g herb.
ADVERSE EFFECTS:
None known.
HERB–DRUG
INTERACTIONS: None known.
SUMMARY
ASSESSMENT: See Marshmallow Root.
LITERATURE
§ Monographs: Commission E
§ Scientific publications: see p. 478; Hahn-Deinstrop E:
Eibischwurzel Identifizierung von Eibischwurzel-Extrakt und Gehaltsbestimmung
in einem Instant-Tee. Deutsche Apotheker Ztg 135 (1995), 1147–1149; Wunderer H:
Zentral und peripher wirksame Antitussiva: eine kritische Ubersicht. PZ 142
(1997), 847–852.
MARSHMALLOW
ROOT
PHARMACOLOGY
§ Herb: Marshmallow root (Althaeae radix). The herb consists of
the dried, chopped, peeled, or unpeeled roots of Althaea
officinalis L.
§ Important
constituents: 10–20 % mucilage (colloid-soluble
polysaccharides, rhamnogalacturonans, arabinogalactans) and 30–38 % starch.
§ Pharmacological properties: See Marshmallow Leaf.
INDICATIONS
·
Inflammations of the mouth and
throat and associated dry cough
·
Mild gastritis
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
None known.
DOSAGE AND
DURATION OF USE: The chopped roots are used to
make aqueous
extracts and other galenicals for internal use.
– Tea: Add
6 g of the roots to 150 mL cold water and allow to steep for 90 minutes,
stirring frequently. Dosage:
One cup of the rewarmed tea, several
times a day. The tea can also be used as a mouthwash.
ADVERSE Effects:
None known.
HERB–DRUG INTERACTIONS:
None known.
SUMMARY
ASSESSMENT: Marshmallow root is a well
tolerated herb that is often used in pediatric medicine.
LITERATURE
§ Monographs: DAB 10; ESCOP; Commission E
§ Scientific publications: see p. 478; Hahn-Deinstrop E:
Eibischwurzel: Identifizierung von Eibischwurzel-Extraktund Gehaltsbestimmung
in einem Instant-Tee. Deutsche Apotheker Ztg 135 (1995), 1147–1149.
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