Marshmallow belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a perennial herb, which grows well in
Jammu and Kashmir. The plant is characterized by yellow, branched root; tall, erect leafy stems; and large alternate, lobed and irregularly toothed leaves.
A high percent of mucilage sugar, starch, an amino acid (asparagine), and pectin are isolated from this species. The plant shows suppurative, demulcent, antitussive, expectorant, and emollient activities. The leaves and flowers are valued in burns and parts bitten by poisonous reptiles. Marshmallow is also used in cosmetics. The roots are used as a vegetable.
