Key Constituents

Iridoid glycosides (aucubin, catalpol)^{[2, 14]}

Characteristic iridoids of Plantago major.

Iridoid glycosidesGlycosides

Caffeic acid esters (plantamajoside, acteoside/verbascoside)^{[2, 14]}

Polyphenolic esters contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Caffeic acidVerbascoside (acteoside)

Flavonoids (baicalein, luteolin, hispidulin)^[2]

Flavonoid constituents of the leaf.

FlavonoidsLuteolin

Allantoin^[14]

Cell-proliferative compound supporting wound healing.

Allantoin

Mucilage and triterpenes (ursolic and oleanolic acid)^{[2, 14]}

Demulcent mucilage plus anti-inflammatory triterpenes.

Terpenes / terpenoidsMucilage

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[7, 8, 15, 16, 17]}

Antimicrobial^{[2, 9]}

Antioxidant^{[2, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17]}

Astringent^{[18, 19]}

Astringent (diarrhoea)

Demulcent (soothing mucilage)^{[6, 13, 18, 19]}

Demulcent / expectorant (coughs, catarrh, irritated airways)

Expectorant^{[1, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Demulcent / expectorant (coughs, catarrh, irritated airways)

Laxative^{[1, 13, 19]}

Bulk laxative (mucilaginous seeds)

Vulnerary (wound healing)^{[3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20]}

Vulnerary (wound healing) - fresh leaf poultice

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[15, 16, 17]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Bronchitis^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

more plants for bronchitis →detailed sources →

Bruising^{[14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

more plants for bruising →detailed sources →

Constipation^[19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from laxative action

more plants for constipation →detailed sources →

Cough^{[18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

Demulcent / expectorant (coughs, catarrh, irritated airways)

more plants for cough →detailed sources →

Diarrhoea^{[18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

Astringent (diarrhoea)

more plants for diarrhoea →detailed sources →

Infection (general)^[2]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)^{[15, 16, 17]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Respiratory support^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

more plants for respiratory support →detailed sources →

Skin irritation^{[15, 16, 17]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Sore throat^{[18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from demulcent action

more plants for sore throat →detailed sources →

Wounds^{[14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[15, 16, 17]}Caution

Extremely safe; one of the most widely used edible and medicinal plants in the world. Psyllium seeds (closely related) are well-studied as a bulk laxative but should always be taken with adequate water. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. No significant drug interactions documented at normal doses.

Safety note^{[15, 16, 17]}Info

Duke (2002) rates plantain as ++ and notes anti-inflammatory, antitussive, antiatherosclerotic, and COX-2-inhibitory activities at the experimental level (score 1). The seeds (psyllium) of related species have clinical evidence for cholesterol reduction and as bulk laxatives, though entries here apply to the leaf. Dose: leaf as tea or poultice for wounds, sore throat, and bronchial conditions. Duke notes the plant is generally safe with anti-inflammatory topical use well-supported in traditional practice. Commission E approved plantain (ribwort species) for catarrh and wound healing (Duke, 2002).

Safety note^{[14, 19]}Info

Generally regarded as safe as food and in customary medicinal use; allergic reactions are uncommon, though the abundant wind-borne pollen can aggravate hay fever in sensitive people.

Safety note^{[14, 21]}Info

Correct identification is essential and material should be gathered away from roadsides, sprayed lawns and other contaminated ground; deep or infected wounds warrant proper medical care.

Safety note^{[22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31]}Info

Additional omniasana.bio sources cited for Plantago major (identification, distribution, foraging, traditional use and supporting evidence; see bibliography).

References

REF-1758, REF-0354, REF-1759, REF-1760, REF-1761, REF-1762, REF-1763, REF-1764, REF-1765, REF-1766, REF-1767, REF-1768, REF-1769

References & Sources

Najafian, Y., Hamedi, S.S., Farshchi, M.K. and Feyzabadi, Z (2018) 'Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review', Electronic Physician, 10(2), pp. 6390-6399. doi:10.19082/6390 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.19082/6390
Adom, M.B., Taher, M., Mutalabisin, M.F., Amri, M.S., Abdul Kudos, M.B., Wan Sulaiman, M.W.A., Sengupta, P. and Susanti, D (2017) 'Chemical constituents and medical benefits of Plantago major', pp. 348--360. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.152 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.152
Cardoso, F.C.I., Breder, J.C., Apolinario, P.P., Oliveira, H.C., Saidel, M.G.B., Dini, A.P., Oliveira-Kumakura, A.R. and Lima, M.H.M (2021) 'The Effect of Plantago major on Wound Healing in Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review', Wound Management & Prevention, 67(1), pp. 27-34. Meta-analysis / review
Find this source
Ghanadian, M., Soltani, R., Homayouni, A., Khorvash, F., Jouabadi, S.M. and Abdollahzadeh, M (2022) 'The Effect of Plantago major Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Healing of Diabetic Foot and Pressure Ulcers: A Randomized Open-Label Controlled Clinical Trial', The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 23(3), pp. 475-481. doi:10.1177/15347346211070723 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/15347346211070723
Ghiasian, M., Niroomandi, Z., Dastan, D., Poorolajal, J., Zare, F. and Ataei, S (2021) 'Clinical and phytochemical studies of Plantago major in pressure ulcer treatment: A randomized controlled trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, pp. 101325. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101325 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101325
Cabrera-Jaime, S., Martinez, C., Ferro-Garcia, T., Giner-Boya, P., Icart-Isern, T., Estrada-Masllorens, J.M. and Fernandez-Ortega, P (2017) 'Efficacy of Plantago major, chlorhexidine 0.12% and sodium bicarbonate 5% solution in the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients with solid tumour: A feasibility randomised triple-blind phase III clinical trial', European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 32, pp. 40-47. doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2017.11.006 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2017.11.006
Zubair, M., Widen, C., Renvert, S. and Rumpunen, K (2018) 'Water and ethanol extracts of Plantago major leaves show anti-inflammatory activity on oral epithelial cells', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(3), pp. 169-171. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.09.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.09.002
Turel, I., Ozbek, H., Erten, R., Oner, A.C., Cengiz, N. and Yilmaz, O (2009) 'Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of Plantago major L', Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 41(3), pp. 120-124. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.55211 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.55211
Turki Monawer, A. and Mohammed Abdulkahar Mammani, I (2023) 'Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Plantago major leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from burn infections', Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 17(2), pp. 276-280. doi:10.3855/jidc.17576 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.17576
Boskabadi, J., Saadat, S. and Boskabady, M.H (2020) 'The Relaxant Effect of Plantago Major on Rat Tracheal Smooth Muscles and Its Possible Mechanisms', Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 19(4), pp. 386-396. doi:10.18502/ijaai.v19i4.4113 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v19i4.4113
Parhizgar, S., Hosseinian, S., Soukhtanloo, M., Bideskan, A.E., Hadjzadeh, M., Shahraki, S., Noshahr, Z.S., Heravi, N.E., Haghshenas, M. and Rad, A.K (2018) 'Plantago major protects against cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction and tissue damage in rats', Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, 29(5), pp. 1057-1064. doi:10.4103/1319-2442.243960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-2442.243960
Naji Ebrahimi Yazd, Z., Shahraki, S., Hosseinian, S., Shafei, M.N., Bideskan, A.E., Mohebbati, R., Heravi, N.E., Mahzari, S. and Rad, A.K (2019) 'Renoprotective Effect of Plantago major Against Proteinuria and Apoptosis Induced by Adriamycin in Rat', Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 22(1), pp. 35-40. doi:10.3831/KPI.2019.22.004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2019.22.004
Alizadeh Behbahani, B., Tabatabaei Yazdi, F., Shahidi, F., Hesarinejad, M.A., Mortazavi, S.A. and Mohebbi, M (2016) 'Plantago major seed mucilage: Optimization of extraction and some physicochemical and rheological aspects', Carbohydrate Polymers, 155, pp. 68-77. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.08.051 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.08.051
Samuelsen, A.B (2000) 'The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review', 8741(00), pp. 1--21. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00212-9 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00212-9
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org
Samuelsen, A.B (2000) 'The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L.: a review', pp. 1--21. Traditional / reference
Find this source
World Health Organization (2002) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
Find this source
Grieve, M (1931). Available at: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/planta14.html Traditional / reference
https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/planta14.html
Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Plantain (Plantago major): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/plantain/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/plantain/
Zubair, M., Ekholm, A., Nybom, H., Renvert, S., Widen, C. and Rumpunen, K (2012) 'Effects of Plantago major L. leaf extracts on oral epithelial cells in a scratch assay', 141(3), pp. 825--830. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.016 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.016
The Herbal Medic (n.d.) 'Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) - Wound Healing & Respiratory Support Herb'. Available at: https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/plantain-plantago-lanceolate Traditional / reference
https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/plantain-plantago-lanceolate
A Wandering Botanist (2013) 'Plant Story - Plantains (Plantago), Tracking Your Footsteps All Over the World'. Available at: http://khkeeler.blogspot.com/2013/11/plant-story-plantains-plantago-tracking.html Traditional / reference
http://khkeeler.blogspot.com/2013/11/plant-story-plantains-plantago-tracking.html
Edible Wild Food (n.d.) 'Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)'. Available at: https://www.ediblewildfood.com/broadleaf-plantain.aspx Traditional / reference
https://www.ediblewildfood.com/broadleaf-plantain.aspx
Florida School of Holistic Living (n.d.). Available at: https://www.holisticlivingschool.org/2020/02/25/march-plantain/ Traditional / reference
https://www.holisticlivingschool.org/2020/02/25/march-plantain/
Living Plant Wisdom (n.d.) 'Living Plant Wisdom Profile: Plantain (Plantago major)'. Available at: https://holisticfarming.substack.com/p/living-plant-wisdom-profile-plantain Traditional / reference
https://holisticfarming.substack.com/p/living-plant-wisdom-profile-plantain
Nine Herbs Charm (n.d.). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Herbs_Charm Traditional / reference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Herbs_Charm
North Carolina Extension (n.d.) 'Plantago major'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/plantago-major/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/plantago-major/
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Plantago major L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:677229-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:677229-1
Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.) 'Plantago major (common plantain)'. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/42126/plantago-major/details Traditional / reference
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/42126/plantago-major/details
The Wildlife Trusts (n.d.) 'Greater plantain'. Available at: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/greater-plantain Traditional / reference
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/greater-plantain
Zubair, M (2012). Available at: https://research.slu.se/en/publications/genetic-variation-biochemical-contents-and-wound-healing-activity/ Traditional / reference
https://research.slu.se/en/publications/genetic-variation-biochemical-contents-and-wound-healing-activity/

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