Marshmallow Health Benefits, Side Effects and Nutritional Value

ABOUT MARSHMALLOW

Both marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis ) leaf and root are
believed to offer benefits on coughing and inflammatory skin
conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Marshmallow is
generally regarded as safe and marshmallow bolus has been
used as an aid to radiologic examination of the esophagus.

Potential Health Benefits of Marshmallow

Marshmallow ingredients have anti-oxidant activities
Marshmallow extracts show antioxidant activities; their
activities accounted for approximately 69% of the activity of
alpha-tocopherol. [1] It would be interesting to find out if
marshmallow has benefit of cancer prevention properties.

Marshmallow root extracts and tea may have benefits of
cough suppression.
Researchers from Lithuania prepared two compositions of
cough-relieving herbal tea. The first formulation consists of
marshmallow roots, liquorice roots and lime flowers, the
second -- of marshmallow roots, Iceland moss and lime
flowers. They believe combinations of medicinal herbs can
improve the curative action and decrease the undesirable side
effects of the products. [3]

Researchers found improvement in the symptoms of cough
after treatment with a combined herbal preparation containing
dry ivy leaf extract as main active ingredient, decoction of
thyme and aniseed, and mucilage of marshmallow root in a
study of 62 patients with a mean age of 50 years. The
patients had irritating cough in consequence of common cold
(n = 29), bronchitis (n = 20) or respiratory tract diseases
with formation of viscous mucus (n = 15). The mean daily
intake was 10 ml (range 7.5-15) of syrup, and the mean
duration of treatment was 12 days (range 3-23 days).

Marshmallow extracts show anti-microbial activities.
A test-tube study in Italy shows the antibacterial activities of
marshmallow. against many anaerobic and facultative aerobic
periodontal bacteria. [4] Marshmallow extracts have been
suggested for topical medications in periodontal prophylactics.

Side Effects of Marshmallow

Marshmallow may lower blood glucose level and cause
allergies. Users, especially with diabetes, must consult with
doctors before taking marshmallow. It may also interact other
blood-sugar-lowering agents such as ginseng, gymnema etc.

This article is for your information only. Consult with your doctor if you have
any questions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION.

Reference:
[1] Kardosova A, Machova E. Antioxidant activity of medicinal plant
polysaccharides. Fitoterapia. 2006 Jul;77(5):367-73. Epub 2006 May 24. [2]
Buechi S, et al, Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a
combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme. Forsch Komplementarmed
Klass Naturheilkd. 2005 Dec;12(6):328-32. Epub 2005 Dec 22. [3]
Puodziuniene G, Janulis V, Milasius A, Budnikas V. Development of
cough-relieving herbal teasMedicina (Kaunas). 2005;41(6):500-5. [4] Iauk L,
et al, Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic
bacteria. Phytother Res. 2003 Jun;17(6):599-604.