Antitussive Activity of a Rhamnogalacturonan Isolated from the Roots ofAlthaea Officinalis L., Var. Robusta

Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): Cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro

“…Modern review of phytochemical investigations, clinical particulars and pharmacological properties give evidence that the use of aqueous Marshmallow extract is justified and a recent ESCOP monograph gives therapeutic indications for gastric/duodenal ulcers and for dry cough (ESCOP, 2003). Additionally, positive antitussive effects of marshmallow extracts were found within animal studies (Nosálová, 1992;Nosálová et al, 1992Nosálová et al, , 1993, while topical application of extracts were shown to be anti-inflammatory to the UV-irradiated rabbit skin (Beaune and Balea, 1966). Other animal experiments indicated a slight immune-activating effect of extracts and polysaccharides (Wagner and Proksch, 1985).…”

Possible mechanisms of dose-dependent cough suppressive effect of Althaea officinalis rhamnogalacturonan in guinea pigs test system

“…vago-vagal reflex or modulation of epipharyngeal nerves activity. Previous study had pointed on mucus and saliva hypersecretion when reported strong antitussive effects of Althaea RG despite of different method of cough induction and animal test system [6]. We followed neither increased formation of mucus nor hypersalivation in guinea pigs during our experimental studies.…”

“…It has been found that RG from A. officinalis showed significant antitussive activity on the cough reflex-induced mechanically in the test system-nonaesthetized cats [7]. In order to verify its ability to modulate as well chemically induced cough reflex and possible mechanisms its cough-suppressive activity, RG was tested on the citric acid-induced cough reflex and reactivity of airways smooth muscle in vivo as well as in vitro conditions in the test system-guinea pigs.…”

“…It has been found that the main components responsible for therapeutic effect of Althaea mucilage are polysaccharides [6,7]. Recently, statistically significant ability of various plant polysaccharides to reduce parameters of mechanically induced cough reflex in conscious cats has been confirmed.…”

Influence of Polysaccharides from Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, Liliaceae) on Mechanically Induced Cough in Cats

“…Despite their excellent antitussive efficacy, they are associated with a relatively high rate of generally known side effects (Belvisi 2003). In our previous experiments we tested various plant extracts with a typically high polysaccharide content for their antitussive activity (Althaea officinalis L., Malva mauritiana, Rudbeckia fulgida, Mahonia aquifolium, Emblica officinalis and others) and showed cough suppressive potency transcending the efficacy of peripheral antitussives (Nosáľová et al 1992;1993;1994;2003). Aloe vera has long been associated with herbal medicine.…”