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Benefits of Marshmallow Root

Evidence:Preliminary
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Mucosal protection — marshmallow root mucilage forms a bioadhesive gel that adheres to epithelial surfaces, providing sustained protection against acid and irritants (Al-Snafi, 2013)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects — aqueous extracts of marshmallow root inhibited complement activation and reduced inflammatory mediators in vitro (Scheffer et al., 2005)
  • GERD symptom relief — a 2017 pilot study found a herbal formula containing marshmallow root significantly reduced heartburn symptoms compared to placebo (Tewari et al., 2017)
  • Antitussive activity — EMA monograph recognizes marshmallow root as a traditional herbal medicine for dry coughs and mild gastric complaints based on long-standing use

What the Research Says

Marshmallow root has been traditionally utilized in Europe for addressing dry cough and mild gastric complaints, as recognized by European pharmacopoeias and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (Al-Snafi et al., 2013). Recent research highlights its mucilage content, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces, which underpin its demulcent effects (Steinmann et al., 2021; Popovych et al., 2019).

A systematic review by Steinmann et al. (2021) identified propolis and cryotherapy as effective interventions for preventing or treating oral mucositis in cancer patients, though marshmallow root was not directly assessed in this context. However, a randomized, multicenter study involving 238 children by Popovych et al. (2019) demonstrated that BNO 1030 extract, which includes marshmallow root among other herbs, significantly reduced symptoms and improved recovery in acute non-bacterial tonsillitis compared to standard therapy.

Despite these findings, clinical evidence for marshmallow root remains limited to small studies and combination products. Its primary role continues to be as a gentle, well-tolerated demulcent for soothing GI and respiratory mucosal irritation (Al-Snafi et al., 2013; Steinmann et al., 2021).

Related Conditions

Gut HealthGerd
Full Marshmallow Root Guide

References

  1. ReviewAl-Snafi AE. (2013). The pharmaceutical importance of Althaea officinalis and Althaea rosea: a review. International Journal of PharmTech Research.
  2. ReviewEuropean Medicines Agency. (2016). Assessment report on Althaea officinalis L., radix. EMA/HMPC Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.
  3. ReviewSteinmann D, Babadağ Savaş B, Felber S, Joy S, et al. (2021). Nursing Procedures for the Prevention and Treatment of Mucositis Induced by Cancer Therapies: Clinical Practice Guideline Based on an Interdisciplinary Consensus Process and a Systematic Literature Search.. Integrative cancer therapies. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTPopovych V, Koshel I, Malofiichuk A, Pyletska L, et al. (2019). A randomized, open-label, multicenter, comparative study of therapeutic efficacy, safety and tolerability of BNO 1030 extract, containing marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, horsetail herb, walnut leaves, yarrow herb, oak bark, dandelion herb in the treatment of acute non-bacterial tonsillitis in children aged 6 to 18 years.. American journal of otolaryngology. DOI PubMed