Background

• Both marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) leaf and root are used in commercial preparations. Herbal formulations are made from either the dried root or leaf (unpeeled or peeled). The actual mucilaginous content of the commercial product may vary according to the time of collection.
• There is a lack of available clinical trials assessing marshmallow alone for any specific health condition. Medicinal uses of marshmallow are supported mostly by traditional use and laboratory research. Limited human evidence is available studying the effects of marshmallow-containing combination products in skin conditions.
• Although clinically unproven, marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of medications taken by mouth. Therefore, ingestion of marshmallow several hours before or after other agents may be warranted.
• Marshmallow is generally regarded as safe. However, the potential for marshmallow to cause allergic reactions or low blood sugar has been noted anecdotally.
• Althaea extract has been used to make pills. Marshmallow has also been used as an aid to X-ray exams of the esophagus.

References

• Basch E, Ulbricht C, Hammerness P, et al. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) monograph. J Herb Pharmacother 2003;3(3):71-81.
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• Beaune A, Balea T. [Anti-inflammatory experimental properties of marshmallow: its potentiating action on the local effects of corticoids]. Therapie 1966;21(2):341-347.
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• Bone K. Marshmallow soothes cough. Br J Phytother 1993;3(2):93.
• Guarnieri A, Chiarini A, Burnelli S, et al. [Mucilage of Althaea officinalis]. Farmaco [Prat.] 1974;29(2):83-91.
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• Iauk L, Lo Bue AM, Milazzo I, et al. Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic bacteria. Phytother Res 2003;17(6):599-604.
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• Iliesen E. [Althaea extract as a pill excipient.]. Pharm Prax 1961;6:104-105.
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• Kelly JE, Jr. The marshmallow as an aid to radiologic examination of the esophagus. N Engl J Med 12-28-1961;265:1306-1307.
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• Kobayashi A, Hachiya A, Ohuchi A, et al. Inhibitory mechanism of an extract of Althaea officinalis L. on endothelin-1-induced melanocyte activation. Biol Pharm Bull 2002;25(2):229-234.
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• Robertson CS, Smart H, Amar SS., et al. Oesophageal transit of marshmallow after the Angelchik procedure. Br J Surg 1989;76(3):245-247.
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• Tomoda M, Shimizu N, Oshima Y, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of twenty plant mucilages and three modified products. Planta Med 1987;53(1):8-12.
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