Marshmallow Root Powder

Marshmallow Root Powder

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a perennial herb that commonly grows in the damp areas of northern Europe and western Asia. The root of marshmallow plant has a long history dating back centuries as a herbal remedy for a wide array of medical maladies. Researchers believe that its medicinal properties are attributed to its rich flavonoid content, which are plant compounds known to have health-boosting effect. In addition, marshmallow root is also a nutritional powerhouse because it is loaded with vitamins A, C, and B-complex as well as essential minerals such as copper, iron, selenium and zinc. To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this ancient medical herb, it is best consumed in the form of powder, capsules, and liquid extract.

Benefits of Marshmallow Root

Growing evidence supports the diverse health benefits of marshmallow root. Among them are the following:

Relieves Cough and Colds

Marshmallow root is considered as a demulcent, an agent that provides a protective barrier in the digestive and respiratory tract. Studies show that marshmallow root can help suppress cough and treat symptoms of dry mouth in people with cough and colds.[1-2] These effects were also accompanied by improvements in the quality of life of the study participants.

Treats Bacterial Infections

There is increasing evidence that taking marshmallow root can treat symptoms of tonsillitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. A 2013 study found that marshmallow root has potent antibacterial properties that can help alleviate swelling, burning and tenderness.[3] This in turn can speed up the healing process and improve the overall quality of life of affected individuals.

Maintains Healthy Skin

Numerous high quality studies show that the extract of the marshmallow root helps maintain healthy skin by reducing the levels of harmful free radicals and inflammatory markers in the body, which are known to accelerate skin aging.[4-5] Other studies even found that marshmallow root is externally used for various skin conditions such as  furunculosis (skin infections that form lumps and pus), eczema and dermatitis.[6]

Improves Cholesterol Levels

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology suggests that marshmallow root supplementation at dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol profile by increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).[7].

Detoxifies the Body

Marshmallow root has potent diuretic effect, which means it increases urine volume and frequency.[8] With this effect, it can help flush out toxins and other harmful substances from the body.

Prevents Erectile Dysfunction

There is increasing evidence that plant compounds known as flavonoids which are present in marshmallow root can help prevent the incidence of erectile dysfunction. For instance, a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher dietary intake of specific flavonoid-rich foods such as marshmallow root is associated with reduced incidence of erectile dysfunction.[9] By loading up on this powerful herb, aging men can improve their sexual function as well as quality of life.

Prevents Cognitive Decline

Large clinical trials have shown that higher intakes of flavonoids were associated with slower rates of cognitive decline in older men.[10-12] Since marshmallow root has rich flavonoid content, it can help improve cognitive health as well as quality of life of men in the older population.

Improves Mood

Aging men tend to experience mood changes which affect their activities of daily living and quality of life. Interestingly, a 2015 study found that higher intake of flavonoids is associated with improved mood and self-esteem.[13] The high flavonoid content in marshmallow root can help aging men experience a significant improvement in their overall mood.

References:

1. Skrinjar I, Vucicevic Boras V, Bakale I. Comparison between three different saliva substitutes in patients with hyposalivation. Clinical oral investigations. 2015; 19(3):753-7.
2. Nosál’ova G, Strapková A, Kardosová A, Capek P, Zathurecký L, Bukovská E. [Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea officinalis L., var. robusta)]. Die Pharmazie. 1992; 47(3):224-6.
3. Dawid-Pać R. Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postȩpy Dermatologii I Alergologii. 2013;30(3):170-177. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.35620.
4. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Altheae radix. 2nd ed. New York: Thieme; 2003. ESCOP Monographs; pp. 32–5.
5. Radix Althaeae. Vol. 2. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002. WHO Monographs on selected medicinal plants; pp. 5–11.
6. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckann J. Marshmallow root. Newton: American Botanical Council; 2000. Herbal medicine. Expanded Commission E Monographs; pp. 246–7.
7. Hage-Sleiman R, Mroueh M, Daher CF. Pharmacological evaluation of aqueous extract of Althaea officinalis flower grown in Lebanon. Pharmaceutical biology. 2011; 49(3):327-33.
8. Available from http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2015/12/WC500198781.pdf.
9. Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;103(2):534-541. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.122010.
10. Schmitt-Schillig S, Schaffer S, Weber CC, Eckert GP, Muller WE. Flavonoids and the aging brain. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;56(Suppl 1):23–36.
11. Mattson MP. Pathways towards and away from Alzheimer’s disease. Nature. 2004 Aug 5;430(7000):631–639.
12. Behl C. Amyloid beta-protein toxicity and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Cell Tissue Res. 1997 Dec;290(3):471–480.
13. Bell L, Lamport DJ, Butler LT, Williams CM. A Review of the Cognitive Effects Observed in Humans Following Acute Supplementation with Flavonoids, and Their Associated Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients. 2015;7(12):10290-10306. doi:10.3390/nu7125538.