Plantain: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Broadleaf plantain
Scientific name(s)
Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Iridoids
Phenolic acids
Mucilages
Tannins
Aucuboside
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Cough ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain is traditionally used to relieve dry cough due to its emollient properties. The mucilages in the leaves help soothe irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Pharyngitis, Bronchitis ✪✪✪✪✪
For pharyngeal inflammation and mild bronchitis, plantain offers a soothing effect. Its components, notably iridoids like acteoside, reduce inflammation.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain possesses anti-inflammatory and emollient properties that can help alleviate gastritis symptoms.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf
2 - 4 g
infusion
Insect stings ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, plantain is effective against itching and irritation caused by insect stings. The local application of leaves or extracts can provide quick relief.
Posologie
Cutaneous route: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
The antibacterial properties of plantain help combat acne by reducing infection and inflammation. Topical application can help purify the skin and prevent breakouts.
Posologie
Cutaneous route: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Plantain offers benefits due to its healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Gargles or direct applications of plantain extracts can reduce pain and accelerate the healing of lesions.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf
2 - 4 g
poultice, fluid extract
Properties
Antihistamine
Plantain shows strong antihistamine activity, mainly thanks to its extracts inhibiting up to 80% of histamine release related to IgE antibodies, effectively contributing to reducing allergic reactions. This notable inhibition, observed even at low concentrations, supports its traditional use against allergies. Furthermore, plantain extracts also modulate inflammation by inhibiting key enzymes such as NO 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 its compounds such as aucuboside which transforms into bactericidal dialdehyde. It is effective against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, making the plant useful in treating skin 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 which inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, thus reducing the production of inflammatory molecules. A plantain extract reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved the regulation of anti-inflammatory hormones in animal models.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Plantain is beneficial for the digestive system due 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 like gastritis.
Usages associés
Healing
Plantain plays a notable role in healing, traditionally used for its beneficial effects on wounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce 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 concentration of 50%, in the treatment of burns. Polyphenols, especially plantamajoside, are recognized for their 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, thus reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcerated tissues.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult:
- Dry powder: 3 g - Leaf infusion: 2 to 4 g of leaves for 150 mL of boiling water, then filtered after 10 minutes. - Mother tincture: 3 times 75 to 100 drops per day. - Fresh juice: 1 to 2 teaspoons 2 to 3 times a day.
Contraindications
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Some data suggest that plantain affects the uterine muscle tone.
