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Marshmallow Root Side Effects & Safety

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

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated with minimal reported side effects
  • May slow absorption of oral medications due to mucilage
  • May lower blood sugar — monitor if diabetic

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Oral medications — take 1-2 hours apart; mucilage may delay absorption
  • Diabetes medications — marshmallow root may have mild hypoglycemic effects
  • Lithium — theoretical concern about altered lithium excretion

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: No established upper limit; EMA suggests up to 15g/day of dried root as infusion

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