White mallow

Related Terms

2-O-alpha-D-galacturonopyranosyl-l-rhamnose, acidic polysaccharide, Althea, althea leaf, Althaea officinalis L., Althaea officinalis L. var robusta, althaea radix, althea root, Althaeae folium, althaeae radi, Altheia, amines, Apothekerstockmalve (German), arabinans, arabinogalactans, asparagines, bismalva (Italian), buonvischio (Italian), caffeic acid, calcium oxalate, cheeses, chlorgenic acid, coumarins, D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid, Eibischwurzel (German), flavanoids, galacturonorhamnans, galacuonnic acid, glucan, glucaris, glycosides, Guimauve (French), gul hatem (Turkish), Herba Malvae, hitmi (Turkish), kaempferol, kitmi (Turkish), L-rhamsose, Mallards, Malvaceae (family), malvacioni (Italian), malve, malvavisco (Spanish), marshmallow leaf, marshmallow mucilage, marshmallow root, minerals, mortification root, mucilage polysaccharides, p-coumaric acid, pectin, phenolic acid, quercetin, Racine De Guimauve, scopoletin, sterols, sweet weed, tannin, witte malve, wymote, xylose.
Combination product examples: Dexalta? (a combination of dexamethasone acetate 0.05mg, fluid extract of marshmallow 20g, Vaseline? 5g, and lanolin anhydrated 100g), Weleda Hustenelixier (ivy leaf, thyme, aniseed, marshmallow), Z-HE (a topical mixture of pure extracts from A. rosa, A. officinalis, and other Leguminosae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Lythraceae species).
Note: Marshmallow is not to be confused with mallow leaf, mallow flower, or confectionery marshmallows; although confectionery marshmallows were once made from the Althaea officinalis plant, they now primarily contain sugar.

Background

Both marshmallow leaf and root are used in commercial products. Herbal formulas are made from either the dried root or leaf (unpeeled or peeled). The actual content of the commercial product depends on the time of collection.
There is a lack of evidence to support the use of marshmallow alone for any condition. The medical uses of marshmallow are supported by traditional use and early research. Limited human evidence is available on the effectiveness of marshmallow-containing products for skin conditions.
Marshmallow may affect the way the body absorbs some medications taken by mouth. Marshmallow should be consumed several hours before or after other medicinal agents.
Marshmallow is generally considered safe. However, allergic reactions or low blood sugar have been reported.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Marshmallow has been studied for the treatment of coughs caused by ACE inhibitors, agents that treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Early research suggests that marshmallow may help prevent coughing by forming a protective coating in the lungs. However, more evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of marshmallow in humans.

 C


Marshmallow has been studied for the treatment of coughs caused by ACE inhibitors, agents that treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Early research suggests that marshmallow may help prevent coughing by forming a protective coating in the lungs. However, more evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of marshmallow in humans.

 C


Marshmallow may help treat infections from parasites. Marshmallow preparations have been used in combination with steroids for skin conditions. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory activity that increases the effect of steroids applied to the skin. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Marshmallow may help treat infections from parasites. Marshmallow preparations have been used in combination with steroids for skin conditions. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory activity that increases the effect of steroids applied to the skin. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Marshmallow extracts have been applied to the skin to treat inflammation. However, research is limited in this area. More information is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Marshmallow extracts have been applied to the skin to treat inflammation. However, research is limited in this area. More information is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Marshmallow has been taken by mouth daily in doses of 5 grams of leaf or equivalent preparation or 6 grams of root or equivalent preparation. Use caution in people taking other medications by mouth, as marshmallow may affect the body's absorption of these agents.
For coughs (associated with blood pressure medications), 20-40 milligrams of marshmallow (given as 20 drops) has been taken by mouth three times daily for four weeks.
Doses of 5-10 grams of marshmallow in an ointment or cream, or 5 percent powdered marshmallow leaf, have been applied to the skin three times daily.
As a gargle for mouth and throat irritation, 2 grams of marshmallow has been soaked in one cup of cold water for two hours before gargling.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Marshmallow may also interact with ACE inhibitors, agents that affect the immune system, agents that are taken by mouth, agents used for the stomach and intestines, agents used to treat cough, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial agents, antiprotozoals, and steroids applied to the skin.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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