Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Astragalus vs Ribwort Plantain
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Astragalus and Ribwort Plantain: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, immune support, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Astragalus | Ribwort Plantain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cold & flu | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Immune support | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Major bioactive saponin with cardio-, neuro-, hepato- and renoprotective effects.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial constituents.
Coat and protect inflamed mucous membranes and reduce cough-receptor sensitivity.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents.
Pharmacological Actions
Astragalus membranaceus and its constituents (astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, Astragalus polysaccharide) inhibit tumour growth, invasion and metastasis and enhance antitumour immunity across lung, colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers (preclinical, incl. in vivo).
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes)
Anti-inflammatory for temporary mild inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat); in vitro the extract inhibits nitric oxide production and inducible NOS in macrophages, supporting its traditional respiratory anti-inflammatory use
Demulcent for catarrh of the respiratory tract and dry, irritating cough / bronchitis (mucilage soothes and protects irritated airways)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Astragalus membranaceus protects against gastrointestinal cancers; astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer metastasis via macrophage repolarization, cycloastragenol boosts CD8+ T-cell antitumour immunity (with anti-PD-1 synergy), and Astragalus polysaccharide suppresses inflammation-induced colorectal cancer (preclinical).
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Adaptogenic tonic for fatigue and low vitality (traditional 'Qi' tonic)
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes); Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Renoprotective (kidney support) - as an adjunct in chronic kidney disease, reduced proteinuria and raised haemoglobin and serum albumin across trials (Cochrane review; study quality low)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Demulcent for catarrh of the respiratory tract and dry, irritating cough / bronchitis (mucilage soothes and protects irritated airways)
inferred from immunomodulator action
Demulcent for catarrh of the respiratory tract and dry, irritating cough / bronchitis (mucilage soothes and protects irritated airways)
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from antimicrobial action
Anti-inflammatory for temporary mild inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat); in vitro the extract inhibits nitric oxide production and inducible NOS in macrophages, supporting its traditional respiratory anti-inflammatory use
inferred from demulcent action
Anti-inflammatory for temporary mild inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat); in vitro the extract inhibits nitric oxide production and inducible NOS in macrophages, supporting its traditional respiratory anti-inflammatory use
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Astragalus stimulates immune activity; on theoretical grounds it should be used cautiously in autoimmune disease and with immunosuppressant medicines (for example after organ transplant) - discuss with a clinician.
Generally well tolerated; high-quality long-term human safety and toxicity data remain limited.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoid medicinal doses.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Erect perennial herb with a long, fibrous, pale yellow taproot. The leaves are pinnately compound with numerous small, oval leaflets, giving a soft, ferny appearance. Small, pale yellow, pea-like flowers are borne in loose axillary clusters (racemes), followed by membranous, inflated seed pods that give the species its name.[5]
Perennial herb (Plantaginaceae) forming a low rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves with prominent parallel ribs (hence 'ribwort'). Slender, furrowed, leafless flowering stalks rise from the rosette bearing a dense, short, dark brown-black ovoid to cylindrical flower spike ringed by a 'collar' of protruding cream-white stamens.[11]
Habitat
Native to the grasslands, sunny slopes and forest margins of northern and north-eastern China, Mongolia and parts of Korea; widely cultivated as a medicinal crop across East Asia.[5]
Native throughout Europe and temperate Asia and naturalised worldwide; common in grassland, meadows, lawns, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating trampling and a wide range of soils.[11]
Harvesting
The root is dug from plants at least four years old, typically in spring or autumn, then cleaned and dried, often sliced into the characteristic pale, fibrous 'coin' slices used in traditional decoctions.[5]
Leaves and aerial parts are gathered during the growing season, ideally before or during flowering, and dried quickly.[11]
Traditional Uses
Ribwort plantain has an official European herbal-monograph tradition for the temporary relief of dry cough and irritation of the mouth and throat, and for minor skin wounds, reflecting its long folk use as a demulcent respiratory remedy and wound herb. Modern research confirms mucilage-driven demulcent action alongside antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.[11, 12]
Preparations
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Radix Astragali gives doses of 3-9 g per day. Traditional Chinese medicine references often cite a considerably higher 9-30 g of dried root per day; WHO's figure is the conservative regulatory-tier one and is stated here in preference. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical studies commonly use extracts providing the equivalent of several grams of dried root daily, in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Xu, B., Huang, J.P., Peng, G., Cao, W., Liu, Z. et al (2024) 'Total biosynthesis of the medicinal triterpenoid saponin astragalosides', Nature Plants, 10(11), pp. 1826-1837. doi:10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 - Auyeung, K.K., Han, Q.B. and Ko, J.K (2016) 'Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 44(1), pp. 1-22. doi:10.1142/S0192415X16500014 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X16500014 - Zhang, Y., Ji, W., Qin, H., Chen, Z., Zhou, Y. et al (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharides alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by restoring SCFA production and regulating Th17/Treg cell homeostasis in a microbiota-dependent manner', Carbohydrate Polymers, 349, pp. 122829. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 - Fu, J., Wang, Z., Huang, L., Zheng, S., Wang, D., Chen, S., Zhang, H. and Yang, S (2014) 'Review of the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi)', Phytotherapy Research, 28(9), pp. 1275-1283. doi:10.1002/ptr.5188 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5188 - Zhang, J., Wu, C., Gao, L., Du, G. and Qin, X (2019) 'Astragaloside IV derived from Astragalus membranaceus: A research review on the pharmacological effects', Advances in Pharmacology. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 - Dong, M., Li, J., Yang, D., Li, M. and Wei, J (2023) 'Biosynthesis and pharmacological activities of flavonoids, triterpene saponins and polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5018. doi:10.3390/molecules28135018 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135018 - Chen, G., Jiang, N., Zheng, J., Hu, H., Yang, H., Lin, A., Hu, B. and Liu, H (2023) 'Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 241, pp. 124386. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 - Zheng, Q., Zhuang, Z., Wang, Z., Deng, L., Jin, W., Huang, Z., Zheng, G. and Wang, Y (2020) 'Clinical and preclinical systematic review of Astragalus membranaceus for viral myocarditis', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pp. 1560353. doi:10.1155/2020/1560353 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1560353 - Dai, Y., Wang, Y., Kang, Q., Wu, Y., Liu, Y., Su, Y., Wang, X., Xiu, M. and He, J (2024) 'The protective effect and bioactive compounds of Astragalus membranaceus against neurodegenerative disorders via alleviating oxidative stress in Drosophila', FASEB Journal, 38(13), pp. e23727. doi:10.1096/fj.202400390R Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202400390R - Xu, L., Xu, X., Hou, X., Wang, F., Gao, S. and Zhang, H (2019) 'Adjuvant therapy with Astragalus membranaceus for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review', Metabolic Brain Disease, 35(1), pp. 83-93. doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 - Li, C.X., Liu, Y., Zhang, Y.Z., Li, J.C. and Lai, J (2022) 'Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect', Archives of Pharmacal Research. doi:10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 - Jin, M., Zhao, K., Huang, Q. and Shang, P (2014) 'Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 64, pp. 257-266. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 - Liu, Y. and Lv, W (2019) 'Research progress in Astragalus membranaceus and its active components on immune responses in liver fibrosis', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 26(10), pp. 794-800. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 - World Health Organization (1999) 'Radix Astragali'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Xu, F. and Cui, W.-Q. and Wei, Y. and Cui, J. and Qiu, J. and Hu, L.-L. and Gong, W.-Y. and Dong, J.-C. and Liu, B.-J (2018) 'Astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer progression and metastasis by modulating macrophage polarization through AMPK signaling', Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 37(1), pp. 207. doi:10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 - Deng, G. and Zhou, L. and Wang, B. and Sun, X. and Zhang, Q. and Chen, H. and Wan, N. and Ye, H. and Wu, X. and Sun, D. and Sun, Y. and Cheng, H (2022) 'Targeting cathepsin B by cycloastragenol enhances antitumor immunity of CD8 T cells via inhibiting MHC-I degradation', Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 10(10), pp. e004874. doi:10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 - Li, Q. and Zhang, C. and Xu, G. and Shang, X. and Nan, X. and Li, Y. and Liu, J. and Hong, Y. and Wang, Q. and Peng, G (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates CD8 T cell dysfunction through STAT3/Gal-3/LAG3 pathway in inflammation-induced colorectal cancer', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 171, pp. 116172. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 - Zhang, H.W., Lin, Z.X., Xu, C., Leung, C. and Chan, L.S (2014) 'Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2
- Laanet, P.R., Bragina, O., Joul, P. and Vaher, M (2024) 'Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(13), pp. 7112. doi:10.3390/ijms25137112 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137112 - Budzianowska, A. and Budzianowski, J (2022) 'A new flavonoid, a new phenylethanoid glycoside and related compounds isolated from the inflorescences of Plantago lanceolata L', Natural Product Research, 36(15), pp. 3813-3824. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.1888289 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2021.1888289 - Gadermaier, G., Eichhorn, S., Vejvar, E., Weilnbock, L. and others (2014) 'Plantago lanceolata: an important trigger of summer pollinosis with limited IgE cross-reactivity', Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134(2), pp. 472-475. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.016 - Sousa, R., Osorio, H., Duque, L., Ribeiro, H., Cruz, A. and Abreu, I (2014) 'Identification of Plantago lanceolata pollen allergens using an immunoproteomic approach', Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 24(3), pp. 177-183. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25011355/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25011355/ - Reza, M.M., Redoy, M.R.A., Rahman, M.A., Ety, S. and others (2021) 'Response of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) supplementation on nutritional, endo-parasitic, and endocrine status in lambs', Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53(1), pp. 82. doi:10.1007/s11250-020-02514-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02514-0 - Rahamouz-Haghighi, S., Bagheri, K., Mohsen-Pour, N. and Sharafi, A (2022) 'Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activities of Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) Root Fractions and Phytochemical Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry', Archives of Razi Institute, 77(6), pp. 2131-2143. doi:10.22092/ARI.2022.358045.2143 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.22092/ARI.2022.358045.2143 - Kovac, I., Durkac, J., Holly, M., Jakubcova, K. and others (2015) 'Plantago lanceolata L. water extract induces transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increases tensile strength of healing skin wounds', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 67(1), pp. 117-125. doi:10.1111/jphp.12316 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12316 - Jaric, S., Kostic, O., Mataruga, Z., Pavlovic, D. and others (2017) 'Traditional wound-healing plants used in the Balkan region (Southeast Europe)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 211, pp. 311-328. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.09.018 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.09.018 - Zeng, X., Guo, F. and Ouyang, D (2019) 'A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of aucubin', Fitoterapia, 140, pp. 104443. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104443 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104443 - Drava, G., Cornara, L., Giordani, P. and Minganti, V (2019) 'Trace elements in Plantago lanceolata L., a plant used for herbal and food preparations: new data and literature review', Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 26(3), pp. 2305-2313. doi:10.1007/s11356-018-3740-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3740-1 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Plantago lanceolata L., folium (Plantaginis lanceolatae folium)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/plantaginis-lanceolatae-folium Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/plantaginis-lanceolatae-folium - ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) (n.d.) 'Plantaginis lanceolatae folium-herba (Ribwort Plantain Leaf/Herb) monograph', pp. com. Available at: https://www.escop.com/downloads/ribwort-plantain-leaf-herb/ Traditional / reference
https://www.escop.com/downloads/ribwort-plantain-leaf-herb/ - Vigo, E., Cepeda, A., Gualillo, O. and Perez-Fernandez, R (2005) 'In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Pinus sylvestris and Plantago lanceolata extracts: effect on inducible NOS, COX-1, COX-2 and their products in J774A.1 murine macrophages', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 57(3), pp. 383--391. doi:10.1211/0022357055605 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357055605
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.