Althea root for cough in acute respiratory viral infections and flu

Marshmallow root for coughs (in the form of dried raw materials) and marshmallow root extract (Althaea officinalis) have long been widely used in official medicine, and pharmacologists use it as part of mono- and combined mucoactive agents.

Indications Althea root

Extracts obtained from the roots and flowers of Marshmallow have antibacterial (against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial and antitussive properties, as well as antiviral, anti-yeast, and prevent oxidation of free radicals. [ 1 ]

Preparations based on this medicinal plant are used to treat coughs associated with acute respiratory viral infections and flu; inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract: laryngitis, trachebronchitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, as well as bronchial asthma and whooping cough.

What kind of cough does marshmallow help with? First of all, with a cough in which it is difficult to cough up accumulated phlegm, for the symptomatic treatment of dry cough. [ 2 ]

Release form

Marshmallow-based products are available in the following forms:

• Cough mixture with marshmallow root extract;
• Althea cough syrup under the names Althea root syrup, Althea syrup, Mucaltin and Altemix syrups, children's Althea syrup;
• Dry cough mixture marshmallow. Full information about its use - Dry cough mixture
• Althea cough tablets - Mucaltin, for details see - Mucaltin for cough for children and adults, as well as Althea chewable tablets for children.

Marshmallow root is included in the herbal cough mixtures Bronchofit, Breast Collection No. 1, Breast Collection No. 3. How to prepare a decoction or infusion and how to use it correctly (dosage), read in detail - Breast Collection for Cough.

Pharmacodynamics

Regardless of the form in which marshmallow is used for cough, its action as an antitussive, as an expectorant (promoting expectoration of sputum, i.e. expectorant), and also as an effective enveloping agent (calming intense cough by reflex), reducing the viscosity of bronchial secretions and improving mucociliary clearance, is due to the substances contained in its composition.

The biologically and pharmacologically active substances of Althaea officinalis include:

• mucus rich in acidic polysaccharides (up to 35%);
• monocarboxylic and phenolcarboxylic acids;
• chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids;
• flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol), glycosides, coumarins;
• tannins and steroidal alcohols (β-sitosterol).

For example, the antitussive effect is provided by mucus, which, due to adhesion to the membranes of the cells of the ciliated epithelium of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, forms a protective coating, protects them from irritants. Water extracts from the roots of Althea are effective stimulants of cellular regeneration of epithelial cells in the treatment of diseases of the bronchi and lungs. [ 3 ]

Marshmallow root helps reduce inflammation caused by bronchitis and asthma and reduces dryness, soreness and irritation of the upper respiratory tract and throat caused by colds and chronic coughs. [ 4 ] There have been reports of antioxidant properties of marshmallow root, [ 5 ] bronchodilator and B-adrenergic effects of marshmallow root extracts [ 6 ].

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of herbal preparations are often unknown, as is the case with marshmallow root-based products.

Dosing and administration

Cough mixture with marshmallow root extract is taken before meals – 15 ml (one tablespoon) five times a day.

Use for children: 6-12 years old – 10 ml (one dessert spoon) up to six times a day, 2-6 years old – 5 ml (one teaspoon) with the same number of doses during the day.

Children aged 6-12 years are given one teaspoon of the syrup four times a day; children aged 2-6 years are given 0.5 teaspoon (dissolved in a small amount of water).

Use Althea root during pregnancy

It is not recommended to take a mixture, syrup or tablets with marshmallow in the first trimester of pregnancy. At later stages - taking into account the ratio of benefits for the mother and possible negative consequences for the fetus.

In the instructions of some manufacturers of Althea products, it is indicated that they should not be used in the treatment of pregnant women. There are also formulations that are reduced to a phrase about the lack of experience in using the drug during pregnancy and lactation and data on the release of any components of Althea into breast milk or the safety and effectiveness of Althea in nursing mothers or infants. Althea is usually well tolerated by adults, allergic reactions are rarely recorded. [ 7 ]

Contraindications

Individual hypersensitivity, for syrup – history of diabetes mellitus.

Side effects Althea root

An allergic reaction is not excluded. The starch contained in the marshmallow root – in case of using Breast Collections No. 1 and No. 3 – can have a fixing effect.

Overdose

There is no information regarding overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

Marshmallow should not be used simultaneously with drugs that suppress the cough reflex. Combined use of marshmallow root-based products with other drugs may delay their absorption.

Storage conditions

These products are stored at room temperature; an opened bottle of mixture or syrup is stored in the refrigerator (the maximum shelf life of an opened bottle is two weeks).

Shelf life

Shelf life: 24 months.

Analogues

Some analogues of marshmallow preparations, i.e. products that have a similar therapeutic effect but have other active substances of plant origin, include: Cough mixture for children (with marshmallow and licorice root extracts and anise oil), Pertussin mixture (with thyme extract), Breast elixir (with licorice root extract), Gedelix syrup (Prospan) with ivy extract, Herbion plantain syrup (ivy or primrose), Bronchostop syrup.

More information in the material - Cough mixtures

Reviews

Despite the positive reviews regarding the effectiveness of marshmallow root for coughs, it should be taken into account that herbal remedies do not show their therapeutic effect as quickly as synthetic drugs.