Plantain: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Greater plantain
Scientific name(s)
Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Iridoids
Phenolic acids
Mucilages
Tannins
Aucuboside
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Cough ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain has traditionally been used to relieve dry cough thanks to its emollient properties. The mucilages contained in the leaves help soothe irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Pharyngitis, Bronchitis ✪✪✪✪✪
For inflammations of the pharynx and mild bronchitis, plantain offers a soothing effect. Its components, notably iridoids such as acteoside, reduce inflammation.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain has anti-inflammatory and emollient properties that can help relieve the symptoms of gastritis.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Insect bites ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, plantain is effective against itching and irritation caused by insect bites. Topical application of the leaves or extracts can provide rapid relief
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
The antibacterial properties of plantain help fight acne by reducing infection and inflammation. Topical application can help purify the skin and prevent breakouts.
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain offers benefits thanks to its healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Gargles or direct applications of plantain extracts can reduce pain and speed the healing of lesions.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Properties
Antihistamine
Plantain shows strong antihistamine activity, mainly due to its extracts that inhibit up to 80% of IgE antibody–mediated histamine release, which effectively helps reduce allergic reactions. This notable inhibition, observed even at low concentrations, supports its traditional use against allergies. In addition, plantain extracts also modulate inflammation by inhibiting key enzymes such as nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) in macrophages. These properties, combined with bronchodilator effects, reinforce its role in treating allergic respiratory disorders.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Plantain demonstrates strong antibacterial activity, thanks to compounds like aucuboside which is converted into a bactericidal dialdehyde. It is effective against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, making the plant useful in treating skin infections and other bacterial infections.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Plantain shows significant anti-allergic and analgesic effects, reducing cough by 66%. It contains compounds such as acteoside and ursolic acid that inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory molecules. A plantain extract was able to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve the regulation of anti-inflammatory hormones in animal models.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Plantain is beneficial for the digestive system thanks to its emollient and antispasmodic effects. The mucilages contained in the plant soothe irritated mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation and calming spasms, which helps relieve digestive disorders such as gastritis.
Usages associés
Wound-healing
Plantain plays a notable role in wound healing, traditionally used for its beneficial effects on wounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate symptoms such as redness, fever, swelling, and pain. An animal study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of plantain could effectively replace silver sulfadiazine, particularly at a 50% concentration, in the treatment of burns. Polyphenols, particularly plantamajoside, are recognized for their wound-healing virtues, facilitating the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue.
Usages associés
Gastroprotective
Traditionally used to treat gastric ulcers, plantain shows significant efficacy in preventing and reducing ulcers. This activity is mainly attributed to the inhibition of acid secretion and the protective effect of its compounds on the gastric mucosa, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcerated tissues.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult:
- Dry powder: 3 g - Leaf infusion: 2 to 4 g of leaves for 150 mL of water brought to a boil then strained after 10 minutes. - Mother tincture: 3 times 75 to 100 drops per day. - Fresh juice: 1 to 2 teaspoons 2 to 3 times per day.
Contraindications
Pregnancy: contraindicated
Some data suggest that plantain affects uterine muscle tone.
