Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the health condition: Leaky Gut Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for soothing mucous membranes, including those of the digestive tract. Traditional herbalists have used marshmallow root preparations for conditions involving inflammation and irritation of the gut, such as gastritis, ulcers, and general digestive discomfort. The plant contains mucilage, a gelatinous substance that can coat and soothe the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This property is the main reason why marshmallow root has been considered for "Leaky Gut Syndrome," a term commonly used in alternative medicine to describe increased intestinal permeability.

However, scientific validation specifically for Leaky Gut Syndrome is very limited. Most of the evidence comes from in vitro studies or animal research, showing that marshmallow root’s mucilage can protect and soothe epithelial tissues and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. There are no high-quality clinical trials directly linking marshmallow root to improved intestinal barrier function in humans with Leaky Gut Syndrome. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition, and there is plausibility based on its physical properties, strong scientific evidence is lacking.

In summary, marshmallow is used for Leaky Gut Syndrome primarily due to traditional herbal practice, with limited supporting scientific evidence. Its rating reflects the traditional basis and the scarcity of rigorous clinical research.

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