We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more

Mr7.5

Marshmallow Root Research

Mostly mechanism / observationalHigh safety

5 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most Marshmallow Root studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2005–2021 with a typical study size of 62 participants.

Based on 5 studies · 2 RCTs · 451 total participants

Confidence

Low

What the studies found

1helped1unclear· 3 more without graded effect data

By outcome

Respiratory & lung
Too few graded studies2 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Too few graded studies2 studies
Immune support
Too few graded studies1 study

Steady research

1 study in the last 5 years

200520132021

1Systematic ReviewCited 9×2020

This systematic-review examined the effects of Marshmallow Root.

Mahboubi M · Complementary medicine research (2020)

The results of animal and clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of A. officinalis extracts alone in treatment of dry cough, while combination of A. officinalis with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinalis, or Helix hedera increased the efficacy of A. officinalis and improved all kinds of cough.
Different mechanisms are involved in expectorant and antitussive effects of A. officinalis in treatment of cough.
Therefore, A. officinalis in combination with other plant extracts in different forms of drug could be a good choice for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments.

View source

2Plant toxicity and efficacy evaluationSystematic ReviewCited 65×2010

The present review provides a baseline on the level of evidence available on many herbal preparations and should be of help to those intending to research further on these topics.

Cravotto G et al. · Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics (2010)

No clear effect

← WorseNo effectBetter →

We found that for about 12% of the plants, currently available on the Western market, no substantial studies on their properties had been published, while there was strong evidence that 1 in 200 were toxic or allergenic, so that their use ought to be discouraged or forbidden.
The present review provides a baseline on the level of evidence available on many herbal preparations and should be of help to those intending to research further on these topics.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View source Free full text

3Dry mouth symptom intensity and quality of lifeRCTCited 18×n=60 · small study2015

We recommend the use of all three saliva substitutes for decreasing the intensity of dry mouth symptoms as well as improvement in the quality of life.

Skrinjar I et al. · Clinical oral investigations (2015)

We recommend the use of all three saliva substitutes for decreasing the intensity of dry mouth symptoms as well as improvement in the quality of life.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View source

4Cough symptom score and tolerabilityRCTCited 29×n=62 · small study2005

Considering the traditional use of ivy leaves, thyme herb, aniseed and marshmallow root in preparations for cough, the reduction in the symptom score as well as the good tolerability the investigated combined herbal cough syrup seems to alleviate cough in consequence of common cold, bronchitis or respiratory tract diseases with formation of mucus.

Büechi S et al. · Forschende Komplementarmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine (2005)

Huge benefit

← WorseNo effectBetter →

Doctors and patients assessed efficacy as good or very good in 86% and 90% of the cases, respectively.
Tolerability was assessed as good or very good by 97% of the doctors and patients.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View source

5Oral mucositis improvementObservationalCited 23×n=329 · medium study2021

The current evidence supports the use of some nursing procedures (f.e. propolis for 2 and 3 grade mucositis) for improving oral mucositis during cancer therapies.

Steinmann D et al. · Integrative cancer therapies (2021)

The current evidence supports the use of some nursing procedures (f.e. propolis for 2 and 3 grade mucositis) for improving oral mucositis during cancer therapies.
There is still a need to define general clinical practice guidelines for the supportive treatment of mucositis, as well as for more interdisciplinary research in this area.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View source Free full text

View in Research Library

Marshmallow Root Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough

Phytotherapeutics: an evaluation of the potential of 1000 plants

Comparison between three different saliva substitutes in patients with hyposalivation

Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme

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