Althaea officinalis
Marsh mallow
Althaea officinalis, commonly known as Marshmallow, is a perennial herb cherished for its soothing medicinal properties. Renowned for its high mucilage content, it serves as a gentle remedy for soothing irritated mucous membranes. This plant is traditionally utilized to alleviate coughs, sore throats, and various digestive tract inflammations.
- Scientific name: Althaea officinalis
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Malvales, and the family Malvacaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Althaea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Althaea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Althaea officinalis, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is referred to as Prawoślaź lekarski, while in France, it is called Guimauve officinale. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the plant is known as bijeli sljez, and in Hungary, it is identified as orvosi zilíz. Finally, in German-speaking areas, it is commonly known as Echter Eibisch.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Prawoślaz lekarski | Wikidata |
| fr | Guimauve officinale | Wikidata |
| bs | bijeli sljez | Wikidata |
| hu | orvosi zilíz | Wikidata |
| de | Echter Eibisch | Wikidata |
| ja | ウスベニタチアオイ | Wikidata |
| sh | Bijeli sljez | Wikidata |
| ba | Алтей үләне | Wikidata |
| hsb | Lěkarska popla | Wikidata |
| nl | Heemst | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes Denmark, Great Britain, and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can also be found growing in Austria. Additionally, its range extends into Belgium within the central part of the continent. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Althaea officinalis, offers a variety of components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The whole herb contains a complex array of mucilaginous compounds and bioactive constituents that contribute to its overall medicinal profile. Specifically, the marshmallow root is the most highly valued part, prized for its high mucilage content which provides soothing effects on the digestive and respiratory tracts. In addition to the roots, the aerial parts, including the leaves and stems, are frequently used in herbal preparations to support systemic health. Furthermore, specialized flower extract can be derived to harness the specific phytochemicals found within the blossoms, offering a concentrated way to utilize the plant's natural essence.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| marshmallow root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flower Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Althaea officinalis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Flavonoids, REA, albiflorin, antioxidant activity.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| REA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| albiflorin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant activity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Althaea officinalis has 7 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antitussive, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Immunostimulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Althaea officinalis has 17 reported medicinal uses identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cough, sore throat, Parkinson's disease, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidant.
- Total uses
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cough | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| sore throat | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-inflammatory agents | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cold | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gangrene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| genital systems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |