Marshmallow Root Latin Name: Althaea Officinalis

COMMON NAME: MARSHMALLOW ROOT LATIN NAME: ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS. AYURVEDIC NAME: KHATMI PLANT FAMILY: MALVACEAE

PART USED: ROOT, LEAF NATIVE TO: W.ASIA, AFRICA, EUROPE

PART(S) USED : MARSHMALLOW ROOT/LEAF

 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 (2)

 The mucilage content of the root, leaves, and flowers is highest in the late fall and winter (approximately 11%) and lowest in the spring and summer (5-6%) (2)

 Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates marshmallow as a substance used in conjunction with flavors that is in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).

 Pharmacopoeia-grade marshmallow must have an "index swelling" of no less than 12 and pass botanical identification by macroscopic and microscopic authentication. The British Pharmacopoeia requires marshmallow leaf to be harvested before the flowering period and pass identification by thin-layer chromatography, and confirmation with additional qualitative standards, including water-soluble extraction of not less than 15% (2)

 Harvest the roots in the fall. Plant should have at least 2.5 to 3 years of growth before roots are ready. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer while soft, fresh, and free of discoloration or mildew.

MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES.

______ACTIONS: MARSHMALLOWROOT ______

Antitussive(2): used to prevent or relieve a cough

Anti-inflammatory(1) : (reduce pain & swelling in joints | arthritis} Demulcent(1,2): used to relieve inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film. Diuretic(1): increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys Emmolient(1,2): having the properties of softening, or soothing the skin

Expectorant(1): remove excess mucous from the lungs. Mucilaginous(2): having a viscous or gelatinous consistency, generally containing polysaccharide substance that is extracted. Pre-biotic(2): a nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Indications: Its abundance of mucilage makes Marshmallow an excellent demulcent that is indicated wherever such an action is called for. The roots have been used more for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used more for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs.Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses andboils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers.

(1)Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "soothing demulcent indicated for inflamed and irritated states of mucous membranes. Particularly suitable for the elderly with chronic inflammatory conditions effecting the gastro-intestinal system or genito-urinary tract" They give the following specific indications: acute respiratory disease, gastro-enteritis, peptic ulcer, cystitis, urethritis, inflammation of mouth & throat, inflamed hemorrhoids, inflamed wounds, burns & scalds, bedsores, abscesses, boils, ulcers. http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/Marshmallow_Herbal_Materia_Medica/245

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KEY CONSTITUENTS : MARSHMALLOW ______

Below taken from: https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/

KEY CONSTITUENTS - mucilage, starch, pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose, asparagine, tannins Leaf: flavonoids, scopoletin, polyphenols (Hoffman, 2003).

Mucilage : (roots & leaf) anti cholesterol : the soluble fiber aids to lower cholesterol in blood. This type of fiber prevents the intestinal absorption of cholesterol produced by the bile for the digestion of food.

Flavonoids: (leaf) Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways and antioxidant effects. They are anti- inflammatory and boost immunity.

Scopoletin (leaf) a crystalline lactone that is found in various solanaceous plants.

Polyphenolic Acid (leaf): a type of phytochemical called a polyphenol found in plant based foods, the seeds and skins of fruits and the leaves of begetables. Polyphenols are micronutrients high in antioxidants and may improve, or help treat, digestion issues.

Tannins: accelerate blood clotting | reduce blood pressure | decrease serum lipid levels | produce liver necrosis | modulate immunoresponses. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9759559

flavonols in elderflower are quercetin, isoquercitrin and anthocyanins, which have antiviral properties as well.

o Marshmallow root preparations consist of peeled or unpeeled dried root of Althaea officinalis L. and contain mucilage polysaccharides (6.2-11.6%) composed of galacturonorhamnans, arabinans, glucaris, and arabinogalactans; carbohydrates (25- 35%); flavonoids; glycosides; sugars (10% sucrose); amines (up to 12% asparagines); fat (1.7%); calcium oxalate; coumarins; phenolic acid (62031); and sterols. o Purified homogenous mucilage of marshmallow is composed of L-rhamnose, D- galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucuronic acid in molar ratio of 3:2:3:3 (62022). Scopoletin, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are also present in the roots. o Marshmallow is high in aluminum, iron, magnesium, selenium, tin, and substantial amounts of calcium. It is also high in pectin, which may lower blood glucose concentrations. The root contains 25-35% of the mucilage; however, the content of purified mucilage is much lower. o Asparagine, sugar, pectin, and tannin have also been identified in the root. o Xylose, glucan, arabinogalactan, and acidic polysaccharide containing 2-O-alpha-D- galacturonopyranosyl-l-rhamnose (62032) are also present in the hydrolysate of leaf and flower mucilage. o Extracts from hybrid plants have been found to be more mucilaginous, with a different sugar composition compared to native plants (62023).

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ENERGETICS : MARSHMALLOW ROOT ______

Slightly Sweet Moistening Neutral in Temperature ______

PREPERATION METHODS: ______

Tea Marshmallow: Best prepared as a cold water infusion, overnight in the fridge. Can be added to other herbs for moisture in any tea,

Tincture Marshmallow: Traditional method: Fill a sterilized mason jar ½ full will dried elderflowers. Top flowers with menstruum (Vodka 80 proof) If the cap is metal or unsafe plastic, cover the top of the jar with parchment/wax/saran paper before screwing on the lid. Shake to ensure all flowers are embraced in the menstruum. Keep in a cool, dry place, shaking every 2-3 days for 4-6 weeks. Note: Dry herbs will absorb menstruum, so you may need to top up alcohol. Once maceration is complete, strain through cheese cloth into clean bowl. Allow to settle overnight and strain again. Transfer to amber storage bottles. Stores for 2 years. (as an elixir, 1-2 years) NOTE: The root is not as effective in tincture form, as the active constituent (mucilage) is water solubable.

DOSAGE AND USAGE: ______

Preparations & Dosage: 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. A cold infusion of the roots should be made with 2-4 gms. to a cup of cold water and left to infuse over night SOURCE: www.healthy.net

INTERNAL USE:

(https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/) o respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation o dry cough o inflammation of the gastric mucosa o diarrhea o peptic ulcers o constipation o urinary tract inflammation o any situation where additional moisture is needed

TOPICALLY USE:

(https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/) o abscesses o varicose and thrombotic ulcers o a poultice for skin inflammation or burns, and for other wounds.

o According to animal research, mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root inhibited coughing by forming a protective coating on the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract, shielding it from irritants (31530, 62030). o Marshmallow reduced the transport velocity of isolated ciliary epithelia and may protect mucous layers in the hypopharynx and exert spasmolytic, antisecretory, and bactericidal properties (31530). Antitussive activity has been demonstrated by oral doses of marshmallow root extract and a marshmallow polysaccharide (100mg/kg and 50mg/kg respectively) in cats compared to a non-narcotic cough suppressant. o A polysaccharide dose of 50mg/kg was equally effective as "Syrupus Althaeae" in a dose of 1,000mg/kg (62021). In animal research, the extract was less effective than marshmallow polysaccharide (62029). The demulcent properties of marshmallow may be due to the reduction of the local irritation that causes gastritis o Combinations of marshmallow preparations with steroids have been used in the management of dermatological conditions, and the plant appears to possess anti- inflammatory activity that potentiates the effect of topical steroids (62025, 62024). o In vitro, the anti-inflammatory effects of an ointment containing marshmallow extract and dexamethasone (0.05%) were superior to those of the individual ingredients in the alleviation of chemically induced rabbit ear irritation (62026). o Hypoglycemic effects: At doses of 10mg/kg, 30mg/kg, and 100mg/kg, marshmallow reduced plasma glucose levels to 74%, 81%, and 65% of prior values, respectively, after seven hours in rats (62022). o Marshmallow mucilage is not altered in the digestive tract until it reaches the colon, where it may be partially or completely digested via bacterial action (62029).

CONTRAINDICATORS & CAUTIONS FOR USE: ______https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/

 Marshmallow root has Generally Recognized As Safe status (GRAS) for use in foods in the US (4912). ...when used orally in medicinal amounts (4, 12).

 ORAL DRUGS Moderate The mucilage in marshmallow might impair absorption of oral drugs (1, 11, 12, 19) The mucilaginous compounds can interfere with absorption of some medications in the digestive tract, so it’s a good idea to let people know this and to advise them to take their medications away from the tea

 ANTIDIABETES DRUGS = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Animal research suggests that marshmallow can have hypoglycemic effects (62022). Theoretically, marshmallow might have additive effects with hypoglycemic therapy (4). Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to antidiabetes drugs may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

 LITHIUM Moderate Marshmallow is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, marshmallow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

 HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS WITH HYPOGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL: Animal research suggests that marshmallow may have hypoglycemic effects (62022). Theoretically, marshmallow might have additive effects when used with other herbs and supplements with hypoglycemic potential. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Some herbs and supplements with hypoglycemic potential include alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng..

ADDITIONAL RESEARACH AVAILABLE AT: https://spiraeaherbs.ca/marshmallow-herb-althaea-officinalis-a-herbal-materia-medica/

GOLDENPOPPYHERBS.COM WRITTEN BY: Sarah Josey Much gratitude goes out to Sarah for her intensive research. Her source material is listed below: 1 Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997. 2 Natural Standard Database. Marshmallow Monograph. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs- supplements/professional.aspx?productid=774 4 Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996. 6 The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999. 7 Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998. 8 Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994. 9 Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999. 11 Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996. 12 McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997. 18 Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998. 19 Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998. 4912 Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21 31530 Muller-Limmroth, W. and Frohlich, H. H. [Effect of various phytotherapeutic expectorants on mucociliary transport]. Fortschr Med 1-24-1980;98(3):95-101. View abstract. 35460 Cravotto, G., Boffa, L., Genzini, L., and Garella, D. Phytotherapeutics: an evaluation of the potential of 1000 plants. J Clin Pharm Ther 2010;35(1):11-48. View abstract.

62020 Zerehsaz, F., Salmanpour, R., Handijani, F., Ardehali, S., Panjehshahin, M. R., Tabei, S. Z., and Tabatabaee, H. R. A double-blind randomized clinical trial of a topical herbal extract (Z- HE) vs. systemic meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Int J Dermatol 1999;38(8):610-612. View abstract. 62021 Nosal'ova, G., Strapkova, A., Kardosova, A., Capek, P., Zathurecky, L., and Bukovska, E. [Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea officinalis L., var. robusta)]. Pharmazie 1992;47(3):224-226. View abstract. 62022 Tomoda, M., Shimizu, N., Oshima, Y., Takahashi, M., Murakami, M., and Hikino, H. Hypoglycemic activity of twenty plant mucilages and three modified products. Planta Med 1987;53(1):8-12. View abstract. 62023 Franz, G. and Chladek, M. [Comparative studies on the composition of crude mucus from crossbred descendants of Althaea officinalis L. and Althaea armeniaca Ten]. Pharmazie 1973;28(2):128-129. View abstract. 62024 Piovano, P. B. and Mazzocchi, S. [Clinical trial of a steroid derivative (9-alpha-fluoro- prednisolone-21- acetate) in association with aqueous extract of althea in the dermatological field]. G Ital Dermatol.Minerva Dermatol. 1970;45(4):279-286. View abstract. 62025 Huriez, C. and Fagez, C. [An association of marshmallow-dexamethasone: the pommade Dexalta]. Lille.Med 1968;13(2):121-123. View abstract. 62026 Beaune, A. and Balea, T. [Anti-inflammatory experimental properties of marshmallow: its potentiating action on the local effects of corticoids]. Therapie 1966;21(2):341-347. View abstract. 62027 Rouhi, H Ganji F. Effect of Althaea officinalis on cough associated with ACE inhibitors. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 2007;6:256-258. 62028 Recio MC and et al. Antimicrobial activity of selected plants employed in the Spanish Mediterranean area, Part II. Phytother Res 1989;3:77-80. 62029 Bone K. Marshmallow soothes cough. Br J Phytother 1993;3(2):93. 62030 Meyer E. Behandlung akuter und chronischer Bronchitiden mit Heilpflanzen. Therapiewoche 1956;6:537-540. 62031 Gudej J. Flavonoids, phenolic acids and coumarins from the roots of Althaea officinalis. Planta Med 1991;57:284-285. 62032 Franz G. Die Schleimpolysaccharide von Althaea officinalis und Malva sylvestris. Planta Med 1966;14:90-110. 62033 Scheffer J and König W. Einfluss von Radix althaeae und Flores chamomillae Extrakten auf Entzündungsreaktionen humaner neutrophiler Granulozyten, Monozyten und Rattenmastzellen. Abstracts of 3rd Phytotherapie-Kongress 1991;Abstract P9.