Symptom → Plant Sources
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) as a tool for helping with Skin irritation
Topical soothing for irritated skin
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Full Marshmallow Root monograph →All plants for skin irritation →
In a pilot double-blind active-controlled clinical trial, topical marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) improved atopic dermatitis in children, supporting its emollient, skin-soothing use for inflammatory skin conditions.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) improved wound healing in rats, increasing fibroblast activity in a stereological study, supporting its emollient, skin-soothing and wound-healing use.
3 sources supporting Marshmallow Root for Skin irritation. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's demulcent (soothing mucilage), emollient / skin-soothing actions. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
This review found that animal and clinical studies confirm the efficacy of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) extracts in treating dry cough, via expectorant and antitussive (rhamnogalacturonan-mediated) mechanisms, supporting its use for cough, sore throat and respiratory ailments.
A marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root extract and the preparation Phytohustil exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and improved endothelial-cell migration (wound closure), supporting the soothing, demulcent use of marshmallow on irritated mucosa.