Marshmallow Root
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 320 participants, researched for Respiratory Health, GI Mucosa Support, Anti-Inflammatory.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Respiratory Health
ModerateGI Mucosa Support
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Respiratory Health
To evaluate marshmallow root extract for symptomatic treatment of irritative dry cough
Study Type
Observational survey study
Purpose
To evaluate marshmallow root extract for symptomatic treatment of irritative dry cough
Dose
Marshmallow root syrup or tablets
Participants
Multi-centre: 1422 patients total
Duration
2 surveys over several weeks
Results
Both marshmallow preparations effectively reduced dry cough symptoms. Syrup superior to tablets for immediate relief. Results justify long-established use. PMID: 30064132
How They Measured It
Cough severity, frequency, patient satisfaction
To review Althaea officinalis potency in treatment of cough and respiratory conditions
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review Althaea officinalis potency in treatment of cough and respiratory conditions
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Marshmallow root (A. officinalis) contains mucilaginous polysaccharides forming protective film on irritated mucosa, reducing cough and sore throat irritation. Combined preparations more effective. PMID: 31770755
How They Measured It
Systematic review of phytotherapeutic evidence
To assess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of marshmallow on macrophages
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of marshmallow on macrophages
Dose
Various concentrations Phytohustil® and root extract
Participants
LPS-activated macrophage cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Marshmallow root extract significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress in macrophages via NF-kB inhibition. Anti-inflammatory mechanism confirmed. PMCID: PMC7090173
How They Measured It
NF-kB, cytokine release, ROS production in LPS-activated macrophages
GI Mucosa Support
To evaluate slippery elm and marshmallow root combination on IBS symptoms
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial (multi-ingredient)
Purpose
To evaluate slippery elm and marshmallow root combination on IBS symptoms
Dose
Slippery elm bark + marshmallow root combination
Participants
31 IBS patients
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Marshmallow-containing formula significantly reduced IBS symptoms and improved bowel consistency and frequency in constipation-predominant IBS. PMID: 20954962
How They Measured It
IBS symptom score, bowel habit
To investigate marshmallow root mucilage gastroprotective properties
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate marshmallow root mucilage gastroprotective properties
Dose
250-1000 mg/kg extract
Participants
Rats with gastric ulcers
Duration
7 days
Results
Marshmallow root extract dose-dependently reduced ulcer area and increased gastric mucus secretion and prostaglandin E2, confirming gastroprotective mechanism.
How They Measured It
Gastric ulcer area, mucus secretion, prostaglandin levels
Anti-Inflammatory
To evaluate marshmallow polysaccharides on complement system and inflammation
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate marshmallow polysaccharides on complement system and inflammation
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Human blood and cell cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Marshmallow polysaccharides demonstrated significant complement-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity, reducing excessive immune activation relevant to allergic and inflammatory conditions.
How They Measured It
Complement activation, ELISA for inflammatory markers
To assess marshmallow root anti-inflammatory effects in paw oedema model
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess marshmallow root anti-inflammatory effects in paw oedema model
Dose
200-400 mg/kg extract
Participants
Rats
Duration
6 hours
Results
Marshmallow root extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema in a dose-dependent manner, confirming systemic anti-inflammatory effects.
How They Measured It
Paw oedema volume, inflammatory cytokines
To review herbal medicines containing mucilage for inflammatory conditions
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review herbal medicines containing mucilage for inflammatory conditions
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Mucilaginous herbs including marshmallow demonstrate protective, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects on irritated mucosal surfaces across multiple body systems. Strong safety profile established.
How They Measured It
Evidence synthesis across multiple mucilaginous herbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Marshmallow Root research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis), involving 320 total participants. Research covers Respiratory health, GI mucosa support, Anti-inflammatory. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies, 2 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Marshmallow Root has been researched for: Respiratory health, GI mucosa support, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 2 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 2 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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