Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the body system: Mucus Membranes

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for supporting the health of mucus membranes. Herbal medicine texts from Europe and the Middle East document its use for soothing irritation of the throat, mouth, and respiratory tract, as well as the digestive and urinary systems. The key to these traditional uses is marshmallow root's high content of mucilage — a gel-like substance that swells in water and forms a protective, soothing layer over mucous membranes. Historically, marshmallow preparations (teas, syrups, lozenges) have been used to ease coughs, sore throats, and digestive discomfort, reflecting its demulcent properties.

While there is some preclinical research suggesting marshmallow extract can reduce irritation and inflammation in animal models, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The evidence base remains largely rooted in tradition and observational reports, with only a few small studies and laboratory investigations supporting its mechanism of action (such as mucilage coating and mild anti-inflammatory effects). Thus, while use of marshmallow for mucus membrane support is strongly justified by traditional use and plausible due to its physical properties, strong scientific validation is limited at this time.

More about marshmallow
More about Mucus Membranes

Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes

akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
Ellagitannin
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose