Tehran University of Medical Sciences

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Althaea Officinalis L. Publisher



Bahramsoltani R1, 2 ; Jahromi MS3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Agriculture, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Source: Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine Published:2024


Abstract

Althaea officinalis L., commonly known as marshmallow, is a medicinal plant with a high amount of mucilage and thus has soothing effects on several forms of tissue injuries. All aerial parts of the plant as well as the roots are medicinally used in TPM. Marshmallow is traditionally used for sore throat and in cough and cold. Also, it is an emollient and can be topically applied to alleviate inflammation. Oral intake of marshmallow has soothing effects on gastric and intestinal ulcers and has mild laxative effect. Moreover, it is helpful for dysuria, urinary stones, and some gynecological problems. Pharmacological and clinical investigations demonstrated several of these therapeutic properties for marshmallow, including antitussive, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and gastrointestinal ulcer-healing effects. The plant material is usually used as a decoction or infusion for oral use or topical application as warm compress. © 2024 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.