Marshmallow Root Extract

Marshmallow Root Extract is made from the thick, pale root of Althaea officinalis, a tall perennial that grows naturally in damp meadows and salt marshes. Long before marshmallows were soft white sweets made from sugar and gelatin, they were made from the sticky sap of this very root.

Arizone International supplies Marshmallow Root Extract to cough-syrup makers, herbal tea brands, supplement manufacturers and cosmetic companies. We offer ratio and polysaccharide-standardised grades in bulk.

Where the Name Comes From

The plant takes its English name from the marshes where it grows and from "mallow", the family it belongs to. The botanical name Althaea comes from the Greek word "althaino", meaning to heal. Ancient Egyptians are said to have mixed the root sap with honey as a treat. In nineteenth-century France, confectioners whipped the root's mucilage with sugar and egg white to make "pâte de guimauve", the ancestor of today's marshmallow.

What Makes the Root Special

The key feature of marshmallow root is its mucilage, a mixture of water-loving polysaccharides. When the root is soaked in water, it forms a thick, slippery gel. That gel is the reason for the plant's use as a soothing herb for the throat, stomach and skin.

• High Mucilage ContentThe dried root can contain a substantial proportion of mucilage.
• Pectin and StarchAlso present, adding to the root's soft texture.
• Flavonoids and Phenolic AcidsPresent in smaller amounts.
• Mild TasteSlightly sweet and neutral, making it easy to use in drinks and syrups.

Traditional Use

European herbal monographs list marshmallow root for soothing a dry cough and an irritated throat, and for mild irritation of the stomach lining. It is traditionally prepared as a cold-water infusion, because hot water extracts more starch and makes the drink less pleasant. In Unani medicine, a close relative called Khatmi is used in a similar way.

Applications of Marshmallow Root Extract

• Cough syrups, throat lozenges and herbal pastilles
• Throat-care teas and sore-throat sprays
• Digestive and gut-lining support supplements
• Children's herbal syrups (subject to local rules)
• Moisturising creams, lotions and after-sun gels
• Hair conditioners, curl creams and detanglers
• Lip balms and sensitive-skin products

Natural hair-care brands like marshmallow root because its slippery texture helps with detangling. Many "slip" formulas for curly hair include it.

Specifications and Storage

We supply Marshmallow Root Extract as an off-white to light brown powder in 4:1, 10:1 or custom ratios. Grades standardised to polysaccharides can be prepared on request. Because the extract absorbs moisture easily, it should be kept in tightly sealed, moisture-proof bags in a cool, dry store.

Safety Notes

The mucilage can slow the absorption of some medicines taken at the same time. Finished product labels usually advise taking marshmallow products at least an hour apart from other medicines.

Why Choose Arizone International?

We are an Indian manufacturer, supplier and exporter of herbal extracts. Each batch of Marshmallow Root Extract is tested for identity, moisture, swelling index, heavy metals and microbial counts. We offer bulk supply, samples, private label packing and support with export paperwork.

Please send your required grade, quantity, packaging and destination for a quotation on Marshmallow Root Extract.