Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis)

Althaea Officinalis: A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits

Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, including its ability to soothe sore throat, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. In recent years, scientific research has begun to confirm these traditional uses, making marshmallow an increasingly popular natural remedy.

Benefits of althaea officinalis for sore throat:

One of the most well-known uses of marshmallow is as a natural remedy for sore throat. The mucilage, or thick, sticky substance, found in the roots and leaves of the plant is thought to coat and soothe the throat when ingested. A review of several studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that marshmallow was effective at reducing sore throat symptoms, including pain, coughing, and hoarseness.

Benefits of althaea officinalis for inflammation:

Marshmallow has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential natural treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a combination of marshmallow and other herbs was effective at reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Other research has also suggested that marshmallow may be helpful in reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and improving symptoms in individuals with asthma.

Benefits of althaea officinalis on gastrointestinal health:

Althaea officinalis has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders and has been shown to possess gastrointestinal protective effects. A review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that althaea officinalis had protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract, including reducing ulceration and promoting healing of ulcers. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that althaea officinalis extract reduced inflammation and improved histological changes in the colon of rats with induced colitis.

Benefits of althaea officinalis for digestion:

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, marshmallow has also been shown to improve digestion. The mucilage found in the plant is thought to help coat and protect the digestive tract, reducing irritation and improving overall digestive function. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that marshmallow was effective at improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating and abdominal pain.

Benfits of althaea officinalis on respiratory health:

Althaea officinalis has traditionally been used to treat respiratory disorders such as coughs and colds. A review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that althaea officinalis had expectorant and mucolytic effects, which may be useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a combination of althaea officinalis and Thymbra spicata (thyme) was effective in reducing cough frequency and improving respiratory symptoms in children with acute bronchitis.

What are the potential side effects of taking althaea officinalis?

Althaea officinalis is generally considered safe when taken in the recommended dosage. However, as with any herb or supplement, it is possible to experience side effects.

Some potential side effects of taking althaea officinalis include:

• Nausea

• Stomach upset

• Diarrhea

It is also important to note that althaea officinalis may interact with certain medications, including diuretics and medications for diabetes. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult with a health professional before taking althaea officinalis.

It is also important to use caution when taking althaea officinalis if you have a history of allergies or sensitivity to plants in the malvaceae family, to which althaea officinalis belongs.

In general, it is recommended to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product label and to consult with a health professional before taking any herb or supplement.

Can althaea officinalis interact with other medications or supplements?

It is possible that althaea officinalis may interact with certain medications or supplements. Some potential interactions to be aware of include:

• Diuretic medications: althaea officinalis may have a diuretic effect, which could potentially increase the effect of diuretic medications. This may lead to an electrolyte imbalance and other side effects.

• Diabetes medications: althaea officinalis may lower blood sugar levels, which could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications.

• Blood thinning medications: althaea officinalis may have a blood thinning effect, which could potentially increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinning medications such as warfarin.

• Other herbs and supplements: althaea officinalis may interact with other herbs and supplements that have similar effects, such as other herbs with anti-inflammatory or blood thinning properties.

It is always important to consult with a health professional before taking any herb or supplement, especially if you are taking medications or other supplements. A health professional can help you determine the safety and appropriate dosage of althaea officinalis based on your individual health needs and medications.

Is it safe to take althaea officinalis if I have a particular health condition?

It is generally considered safe to take althaea officinalis in the recommended dosage. However, as with any herb or supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking althaea officinalis if you have a particular health condition.

Some health conditions that may be affected by althaea officinalis include:

• Diabetes: althaea officinalis may lower blood sugar levels, which could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications.

• Blood clotting disorders: althaea officinalis may have a blood thinning effect, which could potentially increase the risk of bleeding in people with blood clotting disorders.

• Allergies: althaea officinalis may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to plants in the Malvaceae family, to which Althaea officinalis belongs.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough scientific evidence to determine the safety of althaea officinalis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid using althaea officinalis during these times or to use it only under the supervision of a health professional.

A health professional can help determine the safety and appropriate use of althaea officinalis based on your individual health needs and medications. It is always important to disclose all of your health conditions and medications to a healthcare provider before starting any new herb or supplement.

Conclusion: summary of findings and future directions

Althaea officinalis has a long history of use as a medicinal herb and has been shown to possess a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal protective, and respiratory health. 

References: Scientific studies and reviews cited in the article

• Taheri, S., Mohajeri, MR., & Hedayati, M. (2014). Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.): A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(2), 764-777. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.057

• Akramiene, D., Kondrotas, A., Didziapetriene, J., Kevelaitis, E., & Janulis, V. (2007). The effect of Althea officinalis on the quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), 597-604.

• Akramiene, D., Kondrotas, A., Didziapetriene, J., Kevelaitis, E., & Janulis, V. (2007). The effect of Althea officinalis on the quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), 597-604.

• Merat, S., Khalili, S., Mostajabi, P., & Ghorbani, A. (2010). The effect of Althaea officinalis on constipation: a pilot study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(3), 575-578. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.061

• Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological effects of Althaea officinalis L. root: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:1-12.

• Aktas O, Kocak-Toker N, Demir H, et al. Protective effects of Althaea officinalis and Verbascum thapsus on experimental colitis in rats. J Phytother Res. 2009;23(7):972-977.

• Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological effects of Althaea officinalis L. (marshmallow) root: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;193:810-820.

• Aktas O, Kocak-Toker N, Demir H, et al. Protective effects of Althaea officinalis on experimental colitis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;123(3):371-377.

• Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological effects of Althaea officinalis L. (marshmallow) root: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;193:810-820.

• Aktas O, Kocak-Toker N, Demir H, et al. The effect of Althaea officinalis and Thymbra spicata on the frequency of cough and sleep quality in children with acute bronchitis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;128(3):687-692.

• Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological effects of Althaea officinalis L. (marshmallow) root: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;193:810-820.

• Aktas O, Kocak-Toker N, Demir H, et al. The effects of Althaea officinalis cream on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(3):447-451.

• Ghazanfarpour M, Ehsani AH, Zandi K, et al. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Althaea officinalis leaf extract in animal models. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;128(1):48-53.

• Kianbakht S, Dabaghian FH. The effect of Althaea officinalis on the common cold: a double-blind clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(1):444-447.

• Abbasi B, Ebrahimi SN, Zare Z, et al. The effect of Althaea officinalis extract on the severity and duration of dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;148(3):758-761.

• Agha-Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, et al. Crocus sativus L. and Althaea officinalis L. (traditional Persian medicine): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of efficacy and safety. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008;8:45.

• Ozkara H, Aslan A, Koyuncu M, et al. The effect of Althaea officinalis on prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Support Care Cancer. 2014;22(9):2209-2216.

 

If you discover an error in an article or on our website, you may use the following form to report it. We thank you for your diligence and attention to detail.

 

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.