What Is Marshmallow? Other Names: Altea, Alteia, Althaea officinalis

What is Marshmallow?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Marshmallow is a term that can refer to both a plant known for its medicinal properties and a confectionery product enjoyed worldwide. This article explores both aspects of marshmallow, highlighting its uses in traditional medicine and its characteristics as a sweet treat. Other names include: Altea, Alteia, Althaea officinalis, Althaea taurinensis, Althaeae Folium, Althaeae Radi, Althea, Althée, Guimauve, Guimauve Officinale, Gulkhairo, Herba Malvae, Mallards, Malvavisco, Marsh Maillo, Mauve Blanche, Mortification Root, Racine de Guimauve, Sweet Weed, Wymote.

Marshmallow in Traditional Medicine

The marshmallow plant, scientifically known as Althaea officinalis, has been used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It is particularly noted for its application in treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD). A study investigated the efficacy of a 1% ointment made from Althaea officinalis in children with mild-to-moderate AD. The results indicated that the marshmallow ointment significantly reduced the severity of the disease, outperforming a standard hydrocortisone ointment in terms of improvement in the SCORAD score, a measure of AD severity. The study also conducted a docking analysis, identifying 33 phytochemical compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, particularly those with glycosylated compounds showing higher affinity due to hydrogen bond interactions1.

Marshmallow as a Confectionery

In the culinary world, marshmallow refers to a sweet, fluffy confection made from sugar, water, and gelatin. A study explored the creation of marshmallows using watermelon albedo and rosella flower extract, with the addition of gelatin to enhance texture. The research aimed to utilize food waste, such as watermelon albedo, which still contains valuable nutrients. The study found that the optimal mixture for producing marshmallows with desirable sensory properties was a 70:30 ratio of watermelon albedo juice to rosella flower extract, combined with 14% gelatin. This combination resulted in marshmallows with a moisture content of 24.33%, vitamin C content of 16.67 mg/100g, and antioxidant activity of 19.56%, among other characteristics. The sensory evaluation showed a general preference for the color, aroma, and texture of these marshmallows2.

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Uses of Marshmallow

Medicinal Uses

Skin Conditions: Marshmallow has been used topically to treat skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. A study found that a 1% marshmallow ointment significantly reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis in children, showing greater efficacy than hydrocortisone 1% ointment1.

Mucous Membrane Irritation: Traditionally, marshmallow is used to soothe irritation of mucous membranes, including as a gargle for mouth and throat ulcers, and for gastric ulcers2.

Nutritional and Dietary Uses

Ileostomy Management: Anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming marshmallows may reduce ileostomy output due to the gelatin content, which can thicken small bowel fluid, although scientific evidence is limited3.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Marshmallows can be fortified with iron-rich ingredients like spinach and vitamin C-rich ingredients like tomatoes to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. This combination enhances the nutritional content, providing iron and vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption4.

Agricultural Insights

Yield Improvement: The yield of marshmallow plants, including their biological, seed, flower, and mucilage output, can be significantly affected by different types of fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers have been shown to increase flower and seed yield, while cow manure maximizes mucilage yield2.

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Adverse Effects of Marshmallow

Biochemical Changes in Fish: In a study involving common carp, high doses of marshmallow extract (10 g per kg feed) led to significant increases in certain enzyme activities (AST, LDH, ALP, CPK) and plasma creatinine levels, indicating potential stress or damage to tissues. However, these effects were not observed at lower doses (2.50 and 5.00 g per kg feed), which were deemed safe and effective2.

Lack of Reported Adverse Effects in Humans: In a clinical trial involving children with atopic dermatitis, no adverse effects were reported from the topical application of marshmallow ointment. The study focused on its efficacy compared to hydrocortisone, and while it showed promising results in reducing disease severity, it did not highlight any negative side effects from its use1.

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How has Marshmallow Improved Patient Outcomes?

Dermatological Benefits

Atopic Dermatitis: A study demonstrated that topical application of marshmallow ointment significantly reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis in children compared to hydrocortisone ointment. The marshmallow ointment led to a greater decrease in the SCORAD score, indicating improved skin condition and reduced inflammation1.

Oral Health Improvements

Hyposalivation: Marshmallow root was used as a saliva substitute in patients with hyposalivation. Although it was less effective than Buccotherm®, it still contributed to reducing dry mouth symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients2.

Respiratory Health

Recurrent Respiratory Infections: In a study involving children with adenotonsillar disorders, a herbal medicine containing marshmallow root significantly reduced the incidence of acute upper respiratory tract infections. This was attributed to improved local immunity, as evidenced by increased levels of immunoglobulin A and lysozyme activity in nasal secretions3.

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Marshmallow Mechanisms of Action

Gelatin’s Role: The gelatin in marshmallows is thought to thicken the fluid in the small bowel, which might help in reducing ileostomy output1.

Lack of Evidence: Despite anecdotal beliefs among ostomates, there is no concrete evidence supporting the effectiveness of marshmallows in reducing ileostomy effluent1.

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Common Complaints Associated with Marshmallow

Efficacy in Treating Atopic Dermatitis: The study highlights the use of marshmallow in a 1% ointment form for treating mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children. It was found to be more effective than Hydrocortisone 1% ointment in reducing the severity of the disease, as measured by the SCORAD score1.

Safety and Side Effects: The study primarily focuses on the efficacy and does not detail any specific complaints or adverse effects associated with the use of marshmallow. The absence of reported side effects in this study suggests that marshmallow was well-tolerated by the participants, but it is important to note that this is a pilot study with a small sample size1.

Mechanism of Action: The study also conducted a docking analysis to explore the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory potential of marshmallow’s phytocomponents. It found that glycosylated compounds in marshmallow showed significant affinity toward enzymes like IL6, TNF-alpha, and PDE4, which are involved in inflammatory processes1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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