The usage of ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS l in traditional and modern medicine

Abstract

Althaea OfÏcinalis L, with the common name of marsh mallow or real marrow, is perennial herb from the Malvaceae Family, commonly found throughout the damp areas on moist soils to western Asia and Europe. The genus name of Althaea comes from the Greek word “althein” meaning to heal. The herbal material contains 5-11% water-soluble polysaccharides, mainly galacturorhamnans, arabinans, glucans, and arabinogalactans. Other constituents are about 0.2% flavnoide, phenolic acisds, the coumarin scopoletin, starch, pectin, and tannins. A. ofÏcinalis is widely used in the irritation of oral, pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough. Mild gastritis, skin burns and for insect bites. It is also used as a catarrh of the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, as well as for inflammation, ulcers, burns, constipation and diarrhea. We conducted and published review regarding chemical composition of Althea ofÏcinalis in journal of pharmacy interestingly, it has potential to use for various disorders as a medical treatment. Therefore, we made a search by using the keyword “Althea OfÏcinalis L” to find studies regarding its pharmacological active, medical treatment and usage. Finally, we reviewed these studies and evaluated the chance of using the herb for medicinal drug development.