Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Plantago major L.: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Plantago major L., commonly known as plantain, waybread, or dooryard plantain, is a versatile medicinal plant with multiple therapeutic applications. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been formulated into syrups, drops, ointments, vaginal suppositories, gargles, and roasted preparations to treat diverse ailments, such as liver disorders, earaches, epilepsy, asthma, stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation, polymenorrhea, and uterine disorders. The plant contains clinically valuable bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, lipids, iridoid glycosides, caffeic acid derivatives, terpenoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. These bioactive constituents are the primary contributors to the plant’s broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antiphage, antinociceptive, antiulcerogenic, antigenotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects of the plant. This review comprehensively summarizes the phytochemical composition, traditional medicinal applications, and biological properties of this multifunctional medicinal plant.