Plantago major
Key actions
Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialAntioxidantAstringentDemulcent (soothing mucilage)ExpectorantLaxativeVulnerary (wound healing)
Traditional & clinical uses, by strength of evidence
- Arthritis / joint painTraditional
- BronchitisTraditional
- BruisingTraditional
- ConstipationTraditional
- CoughTraditional
- DiarrhoeaTraditional
- Infection (general)Traditional
- Inflammation (general)Traditional
- Respiratory supportTraditional
- Skin irritationTraditional
- Sore throatTraditional
- WoundsTraditional
From the Materia Medica
Common Names: Broadleaf plantain, greater plantain, common plantain, waybread, white man's footprint, soldier's herb, healing blade, cuckoo's bread, rat's tail Genus: Plantago Parts Used: Leaf, Aerial parts, Seed Medicinal Actions: Vulnerary (wound healing), Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Demulcent, Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Preparation Methods: Poultice, Cooked, Tea/Infusion, Tincture, Salve Summary: Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a low-growing perennial…
Selected studies & references
ReviewThe Effect of Plantago major on Wound Healing in Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review (2021)
ReviewPlantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review (2018)
PreclinicalAntibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Plantago major leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from burn infections (2023)
PreclinicalThe Relaxant Effect of Plantago Major on Rat Tracheal Smooth Muscles and Its Possible Mechanisms (2020)
PreclinicalRenoprotective Effect of Plantago major Against Proteinuria and Apoptosis Induced by Adriamycin in Rat (2019)
All 31 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions — always check before use.