Althea officinalis – Althaea officinalis L.

Perennial herb up to 120-150 cm, families malyvovыh (Malvaceae). It grows in middle and southern climatic zones of Russia, in Ukraine, the Caucasus, in the Voronezh region. For health objectives harvested roots.

The chemical composition of marshmallow

Marshmallow roots contain a large number of mucous substances, which consist mainly of the polysaccharides, decaying in the hydrolysis galactose, araʙinozu, pentose and dextrose. From the roots also marked starch, pectin, sugar, asparagine, ʙetain, carotene, lecithin, phytosterol, mineral salts and fatty oils.

The pharmacological properties of marshmallow

Marshmallow root is a typical representative of medicines, related mucus, the content of the active compounds it is almost equivalent in this respect, flax seeds. The term "mucilages" refers to a mixture of mucus and corresponding pectins, sometimes with the addition of amylopectin or dextrin. The structure of molecules of the mucus are the so-called uronic acid (eg, galacturonic acid), certain organic acids, and polysaccharides.

Mucus swell in water to form colloidal systems characteristic, Therapeutic value of which depends on their physico-chemical properties, determined essentially pharmacological effects of these drugs. Mucilage cover a thin layer of mucous membranes, which is held in them for a long time and thus protects the mucosa from further irritation. The result of this is facilitated spontaneous regeneration of damaged tissue, decreases inflammation. Acting as a protector, mucilages soften dense inflammatory plaque (eg, raid on the mucous membranes of the throat and larynx).

Besides, mucus easier to cough due to the characteristic properties of colloids. The aqueous extract of the root alteynogo, ingested in sufficiently high dose, act protectively on the gastric mucosa. Its protective effect of the more effective and longer, the higher the acidity of gastric juice, since the viscosity of mucus is increased by contact with hydrochloric acid, released by the gastric secretion.

Application marshmallow medicine

The high content of mucus and above pharmacological properties of herbal medicines of marshmallow determine their use in diseases of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Since the aqueous extracts of the root have alteynogo enveloping, protective, emollient, anti-inflammatory, and also have an expectorant and some analgesic effect, they are used mainly for chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, laringitax, bronchopneumonia and bronchial asthma.

Alteynogo root should be attributed to the group antitussives, any effective as an expectorant, and also leads to a decrease in coughing. Preparations marshmallow soothe painful cough, such as laryngitis. Slimy decoction of the root alteynogo, flowing down the back of the throat, wets the vocal cords and into the trachea may penetrate, softening the hard attacks and promoting the healing of mucous membranes. Thanks to the gums, starch, polysaccharides, and a number of compounds of colloidal nature drugs marshmallow envelop the affected areas and protect the nerve endings of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx and trachea from various irritants, that not only yields a pronounced curative effect, but also contributes to longer local effects of other drugs.

Besides, marshmallow root is widely used in gastritis and gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, especially at high acidity of gastric juice. Gums and colloidal aqueous solutions of plant root envelop affected ulcerative erosive areas of the mucous membranes, creating a protective layer from the effects of aggressive components and pathogens, as well as create favorable conditions for the healing of pathological sites, while providing anti-inflammatory effect. The combined application with other more active anti-inflammatory drugs marshmallow goo slows their evacuation, thereby creating favorable conditions for a long and full of local therapeutic effects on the affected areas.

Emollient properties of marshmallow used to soften and remove thick deposits with inflammation of the mucous membranes. Infusions alteynogo root is prescribed in the form of rinses, enemas and poultices. There is experience with marshmallow root, and as additives to the diet food diet in the appointment of the mucous.

Noteworthy clinical observations on the use of infusions and extracts of marshmallow eczema and psoriasis. Patients were given a marshmallow extract and infusion inward 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals for 1-3 weeks. As a result of the treatment a significant improvement was noted in most patients. For Example, in patients with psoriasis marked the transition from an advanced stage in the fixed, and from stationary - regressive in. Reduces the intensity and prevalence of psoriatic lesions. All patients improved sleep, appetite, mood, irritability disappeared; normalized stool, increased diuresis. There has also been a parallelism of regression of pathological manifestations in the skin to improve the functional state of the adrenal cortex.

Formulations, Dosing and Administration Marshmallow

A decoction of the roots of marshmallow: 6 g (2 tablespoons) raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, Pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water, capped and heated in boiling water (in a water bath) 30 m, cooled at room temperature for 10 m, filter. The remaining raw materials squeeze. The volume of the resulting infusion was adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place no more 2 d.

Take hot 1 / 4-1 / 3 cup 3-4 times daily after meals.

Roots stored in dry, cool place.

Alteynogo root dry extract - Powder grayish yellow, kind of sweet taste.

Alteynogo root extract liquid - Thickish liquid dark amber, : .distinctive sweet taste, almost odorless.

Syrup alteynogo It consists of a dry root extract alteynogo (2 parts), sugar syrup (98 parts). This is a transparent yellowish liquid, distinctive sweet taste. It is used in medicines to improve the taste and as a coating.

Mukaltin. The tablets of 0,05 g, containing a mixture of polysaccharides (dry mucus) of the herb marshmallow. Assign 1-2 tablets at the reception before the meal. Indications are the same, that for all drugs marshmallow root. Store in a dry, cool place.