Althea root

Althaea root (Latin: Althaea officinalis) is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine and cooking. It belongs to the Malvaceae family.

Althea root contains various bioactive substances including polysaccharides, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins and ascorbic acid. These components gave the plant its medicinal properties.

In traditional medicine, Althea root has often been used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions including upper respiratory diseases (such as coughs, bronchitis), gastrointestinal disorders (including stomach and intestinal ulcers), inflammatory processes in the body, and even to relieve symptoms of urological problems.

In addition, marshmallow root was also used in cooking as an ingredient for making traditional marshmallow, a soft, sweet candy that was derived from marshmallow root.

Despite its widespread use in folk medicine, the effectiveness of Althea root in the treatment of many conditions requires additional research and confirmation. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using althea root for medicinal purposes.

Indications Althea root

Althea root (Althaea officinalis) has a wide range of indications for use in traditional and folk medicine. However, keep in mind that most of these indications are based on traditional use and require additional scientific research to confirm. Here are some of the potential indications for the use of althea root:

1. Upper Respiratory Diseases: Althea root has traditionally been used to relieve symptoms of cough, bronchitis, throat and other respiratory diseases. Its mildly enveloping and anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritation and reduce coughing.
2. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Althea root can be used to treat peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal disorders. Its anti-inflammatory and enveloping properties may help reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes.
3. Urological Problems: Some studies suggest that althea root may be useful for treating some urological problems such as cystitis and kidney stones, due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Skin conditions: In some cases, althea root is used to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, burns, ulcers and others. Its enveloping and anti-inflammatory properties can promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
5. Other Conditions: Althea root can also be used to treat other conditions such as insomnia, stress, arthritis and even allergies. However, more research is needed for these conditions.

Pharmacodynamics

Altai root (Althaea officinalis) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study by Bonaterra et al. (2022) showed that althea root extract has a protective effect by creating a protective film that stimulates faster repair of damaged pharyngeal mucosa caused by dry cough. This effect is supported by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extract, which may promote healing. Althea root extract has also shown the ability to improve the migratory ability of vascular endothelial cells, which may promote tissue regeneration (Bonaterra et al., 2022).

Another study conducted by Shah et al. (2011) emphasized the significant pharmacological activity of Althaea officinalis in the treatment of cough, throat irritation, gastric inflammation, as well as its antitumor, antiviral and immunostimulant properties. The activity of althea root is due to its content of mucilage, flavonoids and glycosides, which makes it a valuable herbal remedy (Shah et al., 2011).

These studies support the traditional use of althea root in folk medicine and provide scientific rationale for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerative properties.

Pharmacokinetics

Studies on the pharmacokinetics of althea root (Althaea officinalis) are not explicitly discussed in the available sources, but its active components, including mucosal substances, flavonoids, and glycosides, play a significant role in its therapeutic properties. Althea root is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and ability to improve endothelial cell migration by creating a protective film on mucous membranes, which promotes rapid healing of lesions caused by dry cough or other irritants.

A study of the effects of althea root extracts on various cellular models, including macrophages and endothelial cells, showed their ability to protect against cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species induced by oxidative stress, as well as to inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, which supports its use for the treatment of irritated oral mucosa and cough.

These properties can cause not only local action of althea root when used in the form of ointments, gels or gargles, but also systemic effects when taking extracts orally, contributing to the overall improvement of inflammatory diseases and promoting tissue healing.

Nevertheless, for a more complete understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of althea root and its active components, additional studies are needed, including the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of these substances from the body.

Dosing and administration

Information on the specific uses and dosages of althea root (Althaea officinalis) for medicinal purposes varies depending on the form of release and the purpose of treatment. The following are general recommendations for the use of althea root, which can be adapted to meet specific needs and specialist advice:

1. Tea or decoction: To make tea use 1-2 teaspoons of crushed root per glass of hot water. The root is poured with boiling water and infused for 5-10 minutes. Such tea can be drunk 2-3 times a day to relieve irritation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and digestive problems.
2. Ointments and gels: Althea root can also be used in ointments and gels for external application for skin irritation, burns and other skin diseases. Application of such remedies is usually done 2-3 times a day on the affected areas of the skin.
3. Gargle: For gargling mouth and throat use a decoction or infusion of the root. It is prepared at the rate of 1 tablespoon of raw materials per glass of water. The mixture should be brought to a boil and insist for about 30 minutes. Rinse the mouth or throat with the infusion is recommended several times a day.

Use Althea root during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the use of althea root should be done with caution and under the supervision of a physician. Although althea root has traditionally been used to treat a variety of conditions, its safety and efficacy during pregnancy have not been sufficiently studied.

There is insufficient scientific data on the safety of using althea root during pregnancy, so its use during this period should be limited only for medical reasons and under the supervision of a doctor.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend the use of althea root during pregnancy if the expected benefits exceed the potential risks. However, the decision to use this herb should be made taking into account the individual characteristics of each pregnant woman and only after careful discussion with a doctor.

It is also important to take into account that natural products may contain active components that can affect the body. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid self-medication and use any natural products only after consulting a doctor.

Contraindications

Despite the relative safety and natural origin of Althea root, there are certain conditions and circumstances in which the use of Althea root may not be recommended or contraindicated:

1. Individual intolerance or allergic reactions: People with known allergies to mallow or other plants in the mallow family should avoid using it.
2. Gastrointestinal blockage: Because of its enveloping action, Althea root may aggravate conditions associated with difficulty passing food through the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Diabetes mellitus: Some forms of althea root products, especially syrups, may contain sugars, requiring caution when used by people with diabetes.
4. Taking medications to lower blood sugar levels: Althea root may affect the absorption and effectiveness of these medications.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although althea root is considered relatively safe, there is limited data on its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A physician should be consulted before use during these periods.
6. Children: A pediatrician should be consulted before using althea root to treat children, especially infants and toddlers.
7. Concomitant use with other medicines: Althea root may slow down the absorption of other medicines due to its enveloping properties, which may affect their effectiveness. It is important to observe the time interval between taking althea and other medicines.

Side effects Althea root

Althea root is generally considered relatively safe to use, but some people may experience side effects, especially with prolonged and/or excessive use. Here are some of the possible side effects of althea root:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to althea root, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, redness of the skin, or even anaphylactic shock in those with severe allergies.
2. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some people may experience stomach and intestinal disorders when consuming althea root, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal bloating.
3. Lowering blood sugar levels: Althea root can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should use it with caution and under medical supervision.
4. Drug Interactions: Althea root may interact with some medications, so people taking any medications should consult a doctor before starting althea root.
5. Other rare side effects: In rare cases, some people may experience other side effects such as headache, hypertension, or changes in blood counts.

Overdose

As with any remedy, taking in excessive amounts could theoretically lead to unwanted effects, especially if specific health conditions exist or other medications are being taken.

Possible symptoms of overdose may include:

• Gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea or diarrhea. This may be due to the large amount of absorbed polysaccharides found in the root of the althea plant.
• Impeded absorption of other drugs due to the enveloping effect of althea, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Recommendations for overdose:

In case you take an excessive amount of althea root or if you experience any symptoms of malaise after using it, it is recommended:

1. Discontinue use and observe the symptoms. In most cases, mild unwanted effects will go away on their own.
2. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce discomfort and help flush excess substances out of the body.
3. If symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought.

Prevention of overdose:

To prevent overdose, it is important to follow the recommended dosages and methods of use of althea root indicated in the instructions or recommended by a doctor. It is important to take into account individual characteristics of the body and possible interaction with other drugs taken.

Interactions with other drugs

Althea root may interact with some medications, which may alter their effectiveness or increase side effects. Below are some of the known interactions of althea root with other medicines:

1. Anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting): Althea root may increase the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution should be exercised and blood clotting levels should be monitored when using althea root concomitantly with anticoagulants.
2. Blood sugar-lowering medications: Althea root may lower blood sugar levels, so a dosage adjustment under a doctor's supervision may be necessary when taken concurrently with blood sugar-lowering medications such as insulin or glibenclamide.
3. Blood potassium-boosting drugs: Althea root may increase the effects of blood potassium-boosting drugs such as spironolactone or amiloride, which can lead to hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium levels).
4. Blood pressure-lowering drugs: Althea root may increase the effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs such as calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors, which can lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
5. Other medications: Althea root may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before starting Althea root.

Storage conditions

Althea root should be stored in a dry and cool place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. It is important that the container in which the althea root is stored is tightly closed to prevent the entry of moisture and air, which can contribute to rotting or loss of the plant's valuable properties.

It is also recommended that you store Althea root in a well-ventilated place to prevent moisture buildup and possible mold. Do not store althea root in places with high humidity or temperature, such as the bathroom or kitchen.

In addition, you should avoid contact of althea root with other aromatics or products, as it can easily absorb odors.

If these storage conditions are met, althea root can retain its qualities and healing properties for a long time.