Symptom → Plant Sources
Greater Plantain (Plantago major) as a tool for helping with Skin irritation
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
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3 sources supporting Greater Plantain for Skin irritation. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent (soothing mucilage) actions. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Water and ethanol extracts of Plantago major leaves reduced pro-inflammatory responses in oral epithelial cells, supporting the traditional anti-inflammatory use of greater plantain for wounds and mucosal inflammation.
Plantago major extract showed anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats, supporting the herb's anti-inflammatory use.
In a randomised triple-blind phase III clinical trial, Plantago major extract was compared with chlorhexidine and sodium bicarbonate for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, supporting its demulcent and anti-inflammatory mucosal use.
Extraction of Plantago major seed mucilage was optimised and its physicochemical and rheological properties characterised, documenting the demulcent polysaccharide constituent responsible for the herb's soothing and bulk-laxative actions.