Marshmallow Root Extract: Respiratory Relief

Marshmallow root extract has a very long history of use in the treatment of oral, pharyngeal, and associated dry cough, gastritis, mild cough, skin burns, and insect bites. Many people use marshmallow root for multiple ailments, including skin irritations, cough and digestive problems, such as ulcers.

What is Marshmallow root?¹

Marshmallow root derived from marshmallow plant looks like a brown, fibrous husk.   The medicinal properties of marshmallow root come from the mucilage, or sap-like substances, that are produced by the plants. The mucilage of the plant contains antioxidants.

Marshmallow root uses

Relieving coughs (Cough and sore throat):²

Marshmallow root is perhaps best known for its use in treating cough and sore throats, which is the reason why it is very often found in natural cough syrup and lozenge products. In a pair of studies conducted in Germany, marshmallow root extract in the form of lozenges & syrup was tried to alleviate dry cough. It was found that not only did both options help to soothe the cough and also started  relieving sore throat, but that both formulations worked quickly- In most of the cases in as little as 10 minutes.

How does it work?³

Marshmallow forms a protective layer on the lining of the digestive tract. It also contains an ingredient that helps to decrease cough.

The complex polysaccharide in marshmallow root covers the irritated mucosa in the mouth and throat, thereby easing the cough reflex. The polysaccharide film protects against irritants by supporting the function of the natural mucus layer. In addition to this purely mechanical effect, the polysaccharide that covers the mucosa has a revitalizing effect on epithelial tissues. The antioxidant and local antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated to contribute to the overall efficacy. Marshmallow preparations are a very safe treatment option.

BLM- Phytoheal⁵

A natural, and a pure plant-based remedy for dry cough that contains marshmallow root extract. Marshmallow does not just alleviate the symptoms but has an anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect on the throat. The key content, i.e. mucilage   forms a protective layer on the throat. It also helps to shorten the duration of the illness in dry cough.

Composition: 

Each 10 ml Syrup contains:

Althaea officinalis……. 54.6mg

Dosage form: 

Syrup

Recommended dosage: 

10 ml thrice a day

Clinical data:⁶

• Study: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.
• Objective: To observe the changes in the symptoms of cough after treatment with a combined herbal preparation containing marshmallow root as a main active ingredient.
• Subjects: 62 patients with a mean age of 50 years (range 16-89).
• Observed for changes in symptom scores for cough and expectoration.
• Safety was evaluated by means of an analysis of adverse events, and efficacy and tolerability were analysed.
• Results: All the symptoms scores showed improvement as compared to baseline.
• Efficacy was assessed as good or very good in 86% and 90% of the cases, and tolerability was assessed as good or very good by 97% of the patients.

Product features:

• Natural source
• Immediate relief in cough
• Non-drowsy
• Safe in children and adults
• Anti-inflammatory and healing action

Conclusion: 

• Marshmallow root is a herbal or a natural remedy that has a natural mucilage and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Marshmallow root benefits include treating coughs, colds and other bacterial infections, repairing the gut linings and preventing leaky gut syndrome.
• The active ingredients present in it make it an effective mucilage and medicinal supplement which includes flavonoid antioxidant; certain amino acids and polysaccharides, few anti-mucilaginous compounds, such as kaempferol, coumarin, quercetin and tannins.
• Marshmallow syrup can be used as safe and efficacious treatment for cough and sore throat.

 

References: 

1. Fink C, Schmidt M, Kraft K. [Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users’ View on Effectiveness and Tolerability]. Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. German. doi: 10.1159/000489560. Epub 2018 Aug 1. PMID: 30064132.
2. https://fullscript.com/blog/marshmallow-root-benefits
3. https://draxe.com/nutrition/marshmallow-root/
4. Bonaterra GA, Schmitt J, Schneider K, Schwarzbach H, Aziz-Kalbhenn H, Kelber O, Müller J, Kinscherf R. Phytohustil® and root extract of Althaea officinalis L. exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and improve the migratory capacity of endothelial cells in vitro. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Dec 8;13:948248. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.948248. PMID: 36569306; PMCID: PMC9773075.
5. Bonaterra GA, Bronischewski K, Hunold P, Schwarzbach H, Heinrich EU, Fink C, Aziz-Kalbhenn H, Müller J, Kinscherf R. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. on Macrophages in vitro. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 17;11:290. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00290. PMID: 32256361; PMCID: PMC7090173.
6. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/features/alternative-meds-update/soothing-coughs-and-sore-throats-with-marshmallow/