The Herbarium · Herbs & flowers
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis · root
Meet the root behind the familiar name.
Plant wisdom · evidence at a glance
Potential benefits
What researchers have found, how strong the evidence is, and where questions remain. Findings apply to the preparation studied—not automatically to products on our shelves.
Traditional use · limited clinical evidence
Soothing mouth & throat irritation
Marshmallow-root preparations are traditionally used for irritated mouth or throat and the associated dry cough. Some human studies report improvement, but limitations in comparison groups and preparation details prevent firm conclusions.
Traditional use · not an established clinical effect
Mild digestive discomfort
The European Medicines Agency also recognizes traditional use of specified marshmallow-root preparations for mild stomach and gut discomfort. This is not evidence that a retail blend treats ulcers, reflux, or another digestive disease.
Open the field notes
Here in the Herbarium, marshmallow means Althaea officinalis, a botanical rather than the confection. Its root is used in herbal preparations. Check the plant part: root and leaf products are not automatically equivalent.
On the apothecary shelf
Marshmallow root may appear in teas, liquids, or blends. Ask for the preparation instructions for the exact product you are considering. Do not substitute directions from a different extract or a recipe found elsewhere for the maker's label.
Into the research library
Follow the scholarship behind the curiosity. These peer-reviewed papers examine specific ingredients or preparations—not TOP products. Human trials, research reviews, and preclinical studies answer different questions. A link is not a promise of benefit or a recommendation to treat a condition.
Peer-reviewed research review
Marshmallow preparations and cough research ↗Mahboubi M · Complement Med Res · 2020 · PMID 31770755
Chemistry and preclinical research review
Marshmallow polysaccharides: structures and research ↗Xue T et al. · Int J Biol Macromol · 2023 Jul 1 · PMID 37245776
Plant chemistry and laboratory study
Marshmallow extracts prepared using different solvents ↗Memdueva N et al. · Molecules · 2026 May 8 · PMID 42197129
Human randomized adjunctive-treatment trial
Marshmallow in a specific candidiasis treatment protocol ↗Amini F et al. · Explore (NY) · 2023 Nov-Dec · PMID 37121836
Read each paper's methods, limitations, funding, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Animal and cell findings do not establish benefits in people; a review may include the same trials as another review. PubMed links provide abstracts and full-text links where available.
Sources & further reading
EMA: Marshmallow root ↗These independent references inform our educational notes. They are not endorsements of TOP or of any product. Notes reviewed October 31, 2026.
For adults 21+. Educational information, not medical advice. Our team can help you read labels and locate lab reports. A qualified health professional should advise on medicines, health conditions, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Ask a veterinarian before using any product with a pet. Availability varies; an educational page does not mean an ingredient is currently in stock.