Broadleaf Plantain
Plantago major
Plantago major, commonly known as common plantain, is a traditional medicinal herb found in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. It has been traditionally used for treating bleeding, burns, and insect bites across various cultures. In Northern Lithuania, it was frequently mentioned for its use in managing skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. Scientific evidence suggests that an 80% ethanol extract of Plantago major subsp. intermedia showed potential anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities in vitro; however, these results were not statistically significant when tested in vivo. Additionally, various extracts from this plant demonstrated larvicidal activity against sheep gastrointestinal nematode larvae in vitro, alongside Ageratum conyzoides and Abutilon theophrasti. Plantago major also showed promise in reducing menstrual bleeding duration and severity, though further clinical evaluation is necessary to confirm its efficacy. No significant safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Traditionally for
- bleeding · burns
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- bleeding
- burns
- insect bites
What the science says
- Plantago major was among the most frequently mentioned plants for treating skin diseases and cosmetic purposes in Northern Lithuania.
- The 80% EtOH extract of Plantago major subsp. intermedia showed potential in vitro anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities, though in vivo results were not statistically significant.
- Five extracts, including Ageratum conyzoides and Abutilon theophrasti, showed larvicidal activity against sheep gastrointestinal nematode larvae.
- Various preparations of Plantago major significantly reduced menstrual bleeding duration and severity, but the clinical significance requires further assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Broadleaf Plantain?
Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Broadleaf Plantain traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Broadleaf Plantain for: bleeding, burns, insect bites. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Broadleaf Plantain?
Broadleaf Plantain appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Broadleaf Plantain?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Broadleaf Plantain; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Plantago major was among the most frequently mentioned plants for treating skin diseases and cosmetic purposes in Northern Lithuania.
How strong is the evidence for Broadleaf Plantain?
The strongest finding for Broadleaf Plantain carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Broadleaf Plantain safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Broadleaf Plantain in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Broadleaf Plantain interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Broadleaf Plantain in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Broadleaf Plantain?
Broadleaf Plantain is also known as: Подорожник большой, Grand plantain.
Is Broadleaf Plantain a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Possible therapeutic effects of Plantago major in women with high menstrual bleeding: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical investigation and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of Plantago major subsp. intermedia (Gilib.) Lange. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Medicinal Plants for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications: Ethnobotanical Study from Northern Lithuania. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Larvicidal activity of antiparasitic plant extracts against ovine gastrointestinal nematodes: an in vitro study. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Plantago major CC BY-SA 4.0