MARSHMALLOW -- Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) +++

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.