Marshmallow root contains 5-10% of mucus (depending on the time of year is collected and ways of processing the drug itself) which mainly consists of acidic polysaccharides. Pectin, sugars, aspartic acid and small amounts of sterols are also present. Marshmallow root is antitusic and it is used for irritable cough and cough caused by inflammation of the throat, and not used as an expectorant.