Herbs & Botanicals · Herbs · A common weed used as a wound and cough remedy, with limited human research

Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata)

Q: What is plantain herb?

Plantain herb usually means the leaf of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), a common lawn and roadside weed. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a related species with its own European traditional-use monograph. Both are different from psyllium and from the banana-like cooking plantain.

Q: Is plantain herb the same as psyllium or cooking plantain?

No. Psyllium is made from the seed husk of Plantago ovata and is a fibre supplement. Cooking plantain is a banana-type fruit from a different plant family. Research on psyllium does not apply to plantain leaf.

Q: Does plantain leaf heal wounds?

Small trials of lab-made leaf-extract gels used with routine care reported faster healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers, but they were short, mostly open-label or from one research group, and did not test fresh leaf. A review of animal studies found no reliable evidence. The honest answer is promising but unproven.

Q: Can I put crushed plantain leaf on a cut?

It is a very old folk remedy, but no trial tested crushed leaf. For anything deep, dirty, infected or slow to heal, and for any wound with diabetes, see a clinician rather than relying on a plant.

Q: Does plantain help a cough?

Ribwort plantain leaf is accepted in the EU as a traditional remedy for dry cough and throat irritation based on long use, but no controlled trials exist. For broadleaf plantain a 2025 review says human studies are limited. See a doctor for breathlessness, fever, yellow-green phlegm or a cough lasting over a week.

Q: Is there an EU monograph for plantain?

Yes, for ribwort plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata), as a traditional herbal medicine. We did not find one for broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), though that was not re-checked on the EMA website today.

Q: Can plantain cause allergy?

The EU assessment of ribwort plantain says about 30% of people with pollen allergy react to its pollen and adds pollen allergy to the contraindications, while judging reactions to leaf products unlikely. Case reports also describe skin irritation from broadleaf plantain and a sun-triggered skin reaction after eating ribwort leaf. If you have plantain or grass pollen allergy, ask a clinician first.

Q: Is plantain safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

For ribwort leaf the EU says use is not recommended because safety has not been established. No source covers broadleaf plantain, so the same caution applies. Ask your midwife or doctor.

Q: Is plantain safe for children?

The EU does not recommend ribwort plantain by mouth for children under 3. In a children's cough trial the syrup contained five plant extracts and honey, so it says little about plantain alone. Talk to a paediatrician first.

Q: Does plantain interact with medicines or harm the liver?

No interaction studies or human liver injury reports were found, and the EU lists no interactions for ribwort leaf. That is a gap in knowledge, not a clearance. Ask a pharmacist, especially if you take several medicines or have liver disease.

Plantago major L. (broadleaf plantain); Plantago lanceolata L. (ribwort plantain) noted separately · also called Broadleaf plantain, greater plantain, common plantain, waybread, plantain leaf

Plantain herb is the leaf of Plantago major, a common weed of lawns and paths. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a related species used in European cough products and is described separately. Neither is psyllium (the fibre from Plantago ovata seed husk) or the banana-like cooking plantain. Leaf compounds studied include aucubin and other iridoids, flavonoids and polysaccharides.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

Get your Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata) today. Order now from Amazon and have it delivered to your door.Shop Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P.… on AmazonSupport our free guides: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

About Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata)

Plantain herb is the leaf of a common weed used for centuries on wounds and for cough. Small trials of lab-made gels on ulcers are promising but limited, and cough use rests on tradition. Pollen allergy, skin reactions and the lack of pregnancy, child and interaction data are the main cautions.

What it is

Plantain herb is the leaf of broadleaf plantain, Plantago major (accepted name in GBIF; family Plantaginaceae). Ribwort plantain, Plantago lanceolata, is a different species and is the one the EU has assessed.

Keep it apart from two other things called plantain or similar. Psyllium is the seed husk of Plantago ovata, sold as a fibre supplement. Cooking plantain is a banana-type fruit. Research on either does not apply to plantain leaf.

^{10 11 9}

Traditional and current uses

Leaves have been used as a wound remedy for centuries in almost all parts of the world, and also for skin, breathing, digestive and other problems. Traditional Persian texts list wounds, cough and constipation among uses.

In Europe, ribwort plantain leaf is a traditional remedy for dry cough and throat irritation. Tradition is not proof of benefit.

^{23 19 7}

What is in it and how it works

Reported leaf compounds include aucubin and catalpol (iridoids), acteoside, flavonoids and polysaccharides. Aucubin showed anti-inflammatory effects in animals and is poorly absorbed by mouth in rats.

Allantoin is often named as a plantain compound, but we did not confirm it in any source we read. Lab findings do not show benefit in people.

^{25 7 13 23}

What the research shows

Wounds: three small trials of leaf-extract gels reported better healing of diabetic foot or pressure ulcers (for example 64% fully healed vs 20.45% in a 94-person open-label trial). They used lab-made extracts with routine care. One gel also contained aloe. A review of four animal studies found no reliable evidence of wound healing.

Mouth and skin during radiotherapy: one small syrup trial and one combination-ointment trial were positive, with limits explained above.

Cough: no controlled trial of broadleaf plantain leaf. A 2025 review says clinical studies are limited. A trial in children used a five-herb honey syrup, so plantain cannot be credited.

Heavy periods: one trial of a plantain syrup versus a drug, with no placebo-only group.

^{14 20 15 3 24 1 2 4 17}

At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Fresh leaf on wounds and skin problems, worldwide.
Tea or syrup for cough and chest complaints.
Traditional Persian uses include gargles, liniments and syrups.
Ribwort leaf in Europe for dry cough and throat irritation.

Studied for research

Diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (gels), low
Sore mouth after radiotherapy (syrup), very-low
Skin reaction to radiotherapy (combination ointment), very-low
Cough (broadleaf plantain), insufficient
Cough (ribwort, EU traditional use), insufficient
Cough in children (five-herb syrup), low
Heavy periods (syrup), very-low
Wound healing in animals, very-low

Main compounds

Aucubin and catalpol (iridoids)
Acteoside
Flavonoids
Polysaccharides

Common forms

Fresh or crushed leaf
Dried leaf tea
Leaf-extract gel or cream
Syrup or tincture

Research links: EMA assessment report: Plantago lanceolata leaf (2025) · Ghanadian 2024: P. major extract gel on foot and pressure ulcers · Samuelsen 2000: review of Plantago major · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Plantago major L. (broadleaf plantain, greater plantain). This profile also covers Plantago lanceolata L. (ribwort plantain), the species the EU monograph is about, and labels it separately.
Naming authority: L.
Synonyms: Plantain herb; Plantain leaf
Common names: Broadleaf plantain (English); Greater plantain (English); Common plantain (English); Waybread (English); Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) (English); Llantén menor (P. lanceolata, EU monograph name) (Spanish); Spitzwegerich (P. lanceolata) (German)
Botanical family: Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Lamiales > Plantaginaceae > Plantago > Plantago major L.; also P. lanceolata L.
Native range: Not verified in the sources read.
Habitat: Not verified in the sources read.
What the plant looks like: Roots: Not verified; Stems: Not verified; Leaves: Leaf is the part used and studied.; Flowers: Not verified; Fruit: Not verified
Cultivation: Not verified in the sources read.
Harvest and processing: For ribwort leaf, the EU assessment says the herb must be dried promptly to avoid fermentation, usually at 40 to 50 degrees C; improperly dried material turns dark brown as aucubin degrades. For broadleaf plantain: not verified.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata); Note: Different species with its own EU monograph; most regulator advice here is about it.; Name: Psyllium (Plantago ovata); Note: Fibre supplement made from the seed husk; accepted name P. ovata confirmed in GBIF. Research on psyllium does not apply to plantain leaf.; Name: Banana-type cooking plantain (Musa); Note: A fruit, not related to the herb. Not covered in the sources read.
Sustainability and conservation: Not assessed here.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Worldwide folk medicine	Wound healing remedy for centuries in almost all parts of the world; also used for skin, breathing, digestive, reproductive and circulation problems, pain and infections.	p10904143
Traditional Persian medicine (10th to 18th century texts)	Roasted seeds, decoction, syrup, liniment, gargle and other forms for constipation, cough, wounds and more.	p29629064
European traditional medicine (ribwort plantain leaf)	Demulcent for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, cough with a cold, minor skin inflammation; EMA accepted at least 30 years of use.	s-ema-hmpc-ar-pl

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Aucubin PubChem 91458	iridoid glycoside	Leaf; about 1 to 3% in older ribwort leaves (EMA) 1 to 3% in older ribwort leaves (EMA)	Anti-inflammatory in mouse paw tests; poor oral absorption in rats. ^{25 7 13}	Animal research
Catalpol PubChem 91520	iridoid glycoside	Young leaves (ribwort; EMA) Up to 1% (EMA, ribwort)	Named with aucubin by EMA as a main iridoid. ^{7 13}	Animal research
Acteoside (verbascoside) PubChem 5281800	phenylethanoid glycoside	Leaf (marker compound for ribwort in the European Pharmacopoeia)	Used as the quality marker. ^{18 7 13}	Laboratory research
Flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, luteolin)	flavonoids	Leaf Quercetin 1.88 mg/100 g in one trial's topical formulation	Quercetin was used to standardise a trial gel; apigenin and luteolin are named by EMA for ribwort. ^{15 7}	Authoritative guidance
Polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives	polysaccharides, phenolic acids	Leaf	Listed by Samuelsen 2000 as constituents. Whether the leaf holds a meaningful amount of mucilage is not verified in the sources read. ²³	Laboratory research
Allantoin PubChem 204	urea derivative	Not verified	Often named as a plantain constituent, but this was NOT verified in any source read here. ¹³	Laboratory research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Anti-inflammatory activity of aucubin	Not specified	Aucubin 100 mg/kg reduced carrageenan-induced paw swelling in mice (as quoted by EMA). ⁷	Animal research
Wound healing	Not specified	A systematic review of four animal wound studies found no reliable evidence of effectiveness; all had high risk of bias. ³	Animal research
Broad lab activities of leaf extracts	Not specified	Wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immune-modulating and antiulcer activity in extract studies. ²³	Laboratory research
Respiratory models	Not specified	Effects on inflammation, infection, asthma and COPD models were reported in experimental studies. ²	Animal research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Aucubin was poorly absorbed by mouth in rats. No human study of any plantain constituent was found.
Distribution: In rats aucubin spreads to kidney, liver, heart, spleen and lung (review).
Metabolism: Aucubin breaks down quickly in stomach-acid conditions in test tubes (half-lives 5.1, 5.8 and 14.8 hours at pH 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0, quoted by EMA).
Elimination: Not studied in people.
Bioavailability: Low for aucubin by mouth in rats; unknown in people.

^{25 7}

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Most mechanism work uses aucubin or other isolated compounds. The ulcer trials used lab-made extract gels. None tested leaf tea or crushed leaf, so compound-level findings should not be read as proof for the herb.

Nutritional composition

Plantain leaf is not used as a nutrient supplement, and no source read gives its nutrient content. Its seed relative, psyllium, is a separate plant and fibre supplement.

11benefits and uses looked at

25studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

7lab markers tracked in trials

2 low certainty5 very low certainty4 not enough evidence

What was looked at

The 11 benefits and uses checked for Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels, with routine care)Low certainty
Sore mouth lining after radiotherapy (plantain syrup)Very low certainty
Skin soreness from breast radiotherapy (plantain, mallow and honey ointment)Very low certainty
Wound healing in animalsVery low certainty
Traditional use on wounds and skin (broadleaf plantain)Not enough evidence
Minor skin inflammation (ribwort plantain leaf, traditional EU use)Not enough evidence
Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain)Not enough evidence
Cough with a cold, dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain leaf, EU traditional use)Not enough evidence
Acute cough in children (honey and five-herb syrup that includes plantain)Low certainty
Heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup)Very low certainty
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (laboratory and animal only)Very low certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Wound size (percentage reduction)Complete ulcer healingMouth-sore severity (WHO scale)Radiation skin reaction (grade 2 or worse)Cough score (night and day)Menstrual bleeding severity (pictorial chart)Haemoglobin

What is Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata) good for?

The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is. Ribwort plantain (a different species) and combination products are labelled.

Diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels)Low certaintyThree Iranian trials of gels made from broadleaf plantain leaf, used with routine wound care, reported better healing than comparison groups. In the largest-effect trial (94 people, open-label, 2 weeks) 64% healed fully versus 20.45% with dressing alone. One gel also contained aloe, one trial gave no numbers, and none tested raw leaf or tea. Sore mouth after radiotherapy (syrup)Very low certaintyOne double-blind trial of 46 head and neck cancer patients found less mouth-sore severity and pain with plantain syrup than placebo. The abstract gives no figures. A review of natural products did not separate out plantain. Skin soreness from breast radiotherapy (combination ointment)Very low certaintyIn 84 women, an ointment with plantain, mallow and honey gave milder skin reactions than placebo (grade 2 or worse: 26.2% vs 61.9%). Plantain cannot be credited alone. Wound healing in animalsVery low certaintyA systematic review of four animal studies found no reliable evidence that broadleaf plantain heals wounds; all were at high risk of bias. Traditional wound and skin useNot enough evidenceUsed on wounds for centuries around the world. Tradition, not proof; no controlled trial of fresh or crushed leaf. Minor skin inflammation (ribwort plantain, EU traditional use)Not enough evidenceThe EU accepts ribwort plantain leaf (a different species) for minor skin inflammation on the basis of long use only, not trials. Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain)Not enough evidenceA 2025 review reports hints of benefit but says clinical studies in people are limited. No good proof that the leaf relieves cough or breathing problems. Dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain, EU traditional use)Not enough evidenceThe EU accepts ribwort leaf for throat irritation with dry cough and for cough with a cold on the basis of long use. It found no controlled trials, only an uncontrolled syrup study of 593 people. Cough in children (honey and five-herb syrup)Low certaintyA trial of 106 children found earlier cough relief with a syrup of honey and five plant extracts including plantain. The makers were involved and plantain cannot be credited alone. Heavy periods (plantain syrup)Very low certaintyIn 68 women a plantain syrup lowered bleeding severity about as much as mefenamic acid, though the drug shortened bleeding more. No placebo-only group, and the species is not stated. Lab and animal activityVery low certaintyExtracts and aucubin show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weak antibiotic activity in test tubes and animals. Not shown in people.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels, with routine care)

Low certainty

Three small trials in Iran used gels or creams made from broadleaf plantain on foot and pressure ulcers. All three reported better healing than the comparison, but the best-reported trial had no placebo and one gel also contained aloe. This is promising, not proven, and it does not show that crushed leaf or tea works.

3 studiesLab-made extract gels or formulations in the trials. Raw leaf, tea an…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Ghanadian 2024 (open-label, 94 people who finished): a 10% leaf-extract gel once a day with routine care for 2 weeks cut wound size more than a dressing alone, and 64% healed fully versus 20.45%. Najafian 2019 (double-blind, 40 people with diabetic foot ulcers): an aloe plus plantain gel for 4 weeks improved total ulcer score and ulcer surface area versus placebo gel, but not depth. Ghiasian 2021 (triple-blind, 130 people with stage 1 pressure ulcers): the abstract reports a significant difference in resolution at 14 days and no side effects but no numbers.

Results

Positive in all three trials, but limited: short, small to moderate, from Iranian research groups, one without blinding or placebo, and one using a two-herb gel.

Effect sizes as reported

Ghanadian 2024: wound size reduced 86.85 +/- 24.34% vs 52.87 +/- 32.41% at week 2; complete healing 64% (32/50) vs 20.45% (9/44), OR 3.129 (95% CI 1.685 to 5.809). Najafian 2019: ulcer surface P=0.039, depth P=0.263.

Why this rating

Three randomised trials, all positive, but one open-label with no placebo, one using an aloe combination, and one with no numbers in its abstract. No independent replication and no long-term follow-up.

Form and dose studied

Lab-made extract gels or formulations in the trials. Raw leaf, tea and shop creams were not tested, and products differ.

Who was studied

Adults with diabetic foot ulcers or pressure ulcers (stage 1 in one trial).

Limits

Two to four weeks only. Used alongside routine wound care, not instead of it. No trial tested deep, infected or long-standing wounds specifically.

Why researchers looked

Plantain leaf is an old wound remedy, so researchers tested lab-made extracts on slow-healing ulcers.

Traditional use

Fresh leaf has been pressed on wounds for centuries in many parts of the world (Samuelsen 2000).

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not established in people. Leaf extracts show wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies, but a review of animal wound studies found no reliable evidence of effect.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No side effects were reported in two of the trials. Anyone with a diabetic foot ulcer needs a clinician.

^{14 20 15}

Sore mouth lining after radiotherapy (plantain syrup)

Very low certainty

One small double-blind trial in head and neck cancer patients found a plantain syrup lowered mouth-sore severity and pain compared with placebo. A review of natural products found most trials positive but did not separate out plantain. Evidence is very limited.

2 studiesPlantain syrup (preparation details not in the abstract).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Soltani 2020 (46 people, double-blind): plantain syrup for 7 weeks gave lower WHO mucositis grade and less pain than placebo syrup (P<0.05; figures not in the abstract). Pranadwista 2023 (systematic review of 12 trials of natural products): 8 of 12 showed benefit; plantain was one of seven products and was not reported separately in the abstract.

Results

Positive in one small trial; the review result applies to natural products as a group.

Effect sizes as reported

Soltani 2020: both outcomes P<0.05, no effect sizes in the abstract.

Why this rating

One small trial with no numbers in its abstract, plant part not stated, and a review that does not isolate plantain.

Form and dose studied

Plantain syrup (preparation details not in the abstract).

Who was studied

Head and neck cancer patients having radiotherapy.

Limits

Small; no figures; one research group; patients with cancer should use mouth care that their cancer team advises.

Why researchers looked

Radiotherapy to the head and neck often causes painful sores in the mouth, and plantain has a traditional soothing reputation.

Traditional use

Mouth and throat irritation is one of the traditional uses of ribwort plantain leaf recognised by the EU (EMA, different species).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Unknown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No side effects were mentioned in the abstract. Cancer patients should ask their care team before using any herb.

^{24 22}

Skin soreness from breast radiotherapy (plantain, mallow and honey ointment)

Very low certainty

A 2026 double-blind trial of an ointment containing plantain, mallow and honey found milder skin reactions than placebo in women having breast radiotherapy. Because it is a three-ingredient product, nothing here can be credited to plantain alone.

1 studiesOintment: Plantago major + mallow + honey (combination).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Asadi 2026 (84 women, 42 each group, double-blind): itching was lower on day 14 (0.71 vs 2.93) and day 21 (1.26 vs 4.26), grade 2 or worse dermatitis occurred in 26.2% vs 61.9%, and later pigmentation was lower (P=0.001).

Results

Positive for the combination ointment in a single trial.

Effect sizes as reported

Itching P<0.01 at days 14 and 21; grade 2 or worse dermatitis 26.2% vs 61.9%.

Why this rating

One trial of a combination product, newly published, no replication, plantain cannot be separated from mallow and honey.

Form and dose studied

Ointment: Plantago major + mallow + honey (combination).

Who was studied

Women with breast cancer having adjuvant radiotherapy.

Limits

Combination product; one trial; registration not reported in the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Radiotherapy often burns the skin, and plantain is an old skin remedy; mallow and honey were added in this product.

Traditional use

Plantain leaf is an old wound and skin remedy (Samuelsen 2000).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Unknown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Cancer patients should check any skin product with their radiotherapy team before use.

Wound healing in animals

Very low certainty

A systematic review of animal wound studies did not find reliable evidence that broadleaf plantain heals wounds in living animals. All four studies were at high risk of bias.

1 studiesTopical P. major in animal models.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Cardoso 2021 (systematic review, 4 animal studies, 20 to 100 animals each, high risk of bias throughout): concluded there was no evidence of in vivo effectiveness for wound healing.

Results

No reliable evidence in animals.

Effect sizes as reported

Best contraction at 10, 20 and 50% concentrations versus control in some studies; no pooled estimate.

Why this rating

Animal-only; all four studies at high risk of bias; one lacked ethics review.

Form and dose studied

Topical P. major in animal models.

Who was studied

Laboratory animals.

Limits

Not human evidence. Does not support or rule out the human gel trials.

Why researchers looked

Researchers often test herbs in animals before people.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Some animal groups had better wound contraction at 10, 20 and 50% concentrations, but the review judged all four studies unreliable.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not assessed in this review.

Traditional use on wounds and skin (broadleaf plantain)

Not enough evidence

For centuries people in many parts of the world have put the leaf on wounds, and used it for skin, breathing, digestive and other problems. This is tradition, not proof.

2 studiesFresh or crushed leaf, tea, decoction, syrup (traditional).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No controlled human trial of the fresh leaf, leaf tea or crushed leaf was found. Reviews describe traditional use and lab findings only.

Results

Tradition only.

Why this rating

Long use is not evidence of benefit; no trial tested the traditional forms.

Form and dose studied

Fresh or crushed leaf, tea, decoction, syrup (traditional).

Who was studied

Folk use worldwide.

Limits

Traditional forms were not tested; reviews mix seed and leaf uses.

Why researchers looked

It is one of the most widely used wound herbs in folk medicine.

Traditional use

Samuelsen 2000 reports use for wound healing in almost all parts of the world. Traditional Persian medicine texts list wound healing, cough and constipation among uses (Najafian 2018).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See the safety tab, especially for deep or infected wounds.

^{23 19}

Minor skin inflammation (ribwort plantain leaf, traditional EU use)

Not enough evidence

The EU accepts ribwort plantain leaf (a different species) as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation, based on long use only. No controlled trial supports it, and nothing here shows that broadleaf plantain works the same way.

1 studiesRibwort plantain leaf preparations (EU traditional registrations).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The EMA assessment says controlled trials have not been done and efficacy is plausible only on the basis of long use.

Results

Traditional-use acceptance, not proof.

Why this rating

Regulator accepts plausibility from 30 years of use, not clinical evidence; different species.

Form and dose studied

Ribwort plantain leaf preparations (EU traditional registrations).

Who was studied

Adults and children from 3 years in the EU monograph review.

Limits

Species differs from broadleaf plantain.

Why researchers looked

EU regulators reviewed the market history of ribwort plantain leaf products in 2025.

Traditional use

Skin use of ribwort leaf (comminuted leaf as macerate) is traditional in Europe (EMA 2025).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See safety tab.

⁷

Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain)

Not enough evidence

Plantain leaf is a traditional chest remedy. A 2025 review says there are lab and animal findings and some clinical hints, but few human studies and no good proof that it relieves cough or breathing problems.

2 studiesVarious; not stated.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Boskabadi 2025 (narrative review): reports reduced cough and wheeze, higher FEV1 and FVC in people with asthma, a quick effect on bronchitis signs and antiviral effects, while stating that clinical studies on humans are limited. The abstract does not name the individual human studies, so the quality of those studies could not be judged.

Results

Hints of benefit in reviewed human reports; evidence thin.

Why this rating

Narrative review; underlying human studies not listed in the abstract and not read.

Form and dose studied

Various; not stated.

Limits

Underlying trials not read.

Why researchers looked

Traditional cough remedy in many regions.

Traditional use

Cough is among the traditional uses (Najafian 2018; Samuelsen 2000).

Proposed mechanism Animal research

In lab and animal models P. major extracts had effects on inflammation, infection, asthma and COPD models (as summarised by the review).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No safety data in the abstract.

^{2 23}

Cough with a cold, dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain leaf, EU traditional use)

Not enough evidence

The EU recognises ribwort plantain leaf (a different species) as a traditional remedy for throat irritation with dry cough and for cough with a cold, based on long use only. The EU found no controlled trials, only one uncontrolled study of a syrup.

3 studiesRibwort syrup, tea, extracts (EU traditional products).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

EMA 2025: no controlled clinical trials; well-established use not accepted. One uncontrolled post-marketing study (Kraft 1997, 593 people with acute respiratory illness taking a ribwort syrup) reported cough intensity down 67% and frequency down 66% after 3 to 14 days, but the assessors said the design has no clinical relevance for proving effect. A 2025 Italian review of natural cough products for children found the evidence generally scarce and of poor quality.

Results

Plausible by tradition; not proven.

Effect sizes as reported

Kraft 1997 (uncontrolled): cough intensity -67%, frequency -66% (as quoted by EMA).

Why this rating

No controlled trial; uncontrolled study only; different species from P. major.

Form and dose studied

Ribwort syrup, tea, extracts (EU traditional products).

Who was studied

Adults and children from 3 years in EU assessment.

Limits

Uncontrolled evidence; different species.

Why researchers looked

Ribwort plantain syrups and teas are common cough products in Europe.

Traditional use

Traditional European use for at least 30 years was accepted by EMA.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

The EU says no active constituent can be named.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

EU advises seeing a doctor if breathlessness, fever or purulent sputum occurs, or cough lasts over a week.

^{7 6 5}

Acute cough in children (honey and five-herb syrup that includes plantain)

Low certainty

A trial in 106 children found a syrup containing honey and five plant extracts, including Plantago major, eased cough sooner than placebo. Because honey and other herbs were included and the makers were involved, this does not show that plantain does anything.

1 studiesCombination syrup (honey + 5 plant extracts).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Carnevali 2021 (double-blind, 106 children, 8 days): KalobaTUSS (acacia honey plus mallow, elecampane, Plantago major and Helichrysum extracts) gave earlier and larger falls in night and day cough scores and shorter cough than placebo. Figures are not in the abstract. Authors include employees of the manufacturer.

Results

Positive for the combination syrup.

Why this rating

One industry-linked trial of a combination; plantain cannot be credited; registered retrospectively.

Form and dose studied

Combination syrup (honey + 5 plant extracts).

Who was studied

Children with acute cough.

Limits

Combination; industry-linked; single trial.

Why researchers looked

Parents look for gentle cough remedies for children.

Traditional use

Cough syrups with several plant extracts and honey are common.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Unknown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Well tolerated according to the authors.

⁴

Heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup)

Very low certainty

In one Iranian trial of 68 women, a plantain syrup lowered bleeding about as much as the drug mefenamic acid on severity, though the drug shortened bleeding duration more. The abstract does not say which plantain species was used.

1 studiesPlantain syrup (species not stated).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Khodabakhsh 2020 (68 women, triple-blind, 3 cycles): both groups improved; bleeding severity did not differ between plantain syrup and mefenamic acid (Cohen d 0.24); bleeding duration fell more with mefenamic acid (d 0.57); haemoglobin change did not differ between groups.

Results

Similar severity to the drug; no placebo-only group.

Effect sizes as reported

Severity d 0.24 (no significant difference); duration d 0.57 favouring the drug.

Why this rating

One trial, no placebo-only arm, species not stated.

Form and dose studied

Plantain syrup (species not stated).

Who was studied

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Limits

Small; comparator was an active drug.

Why researchers looked

Plantain has a traditional use for stopping bleeding (as a hemostatic).

Traditional use

Antihemorrhagic use is listed in Persian medicine reviews (Najafian 2018).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Unknown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Heavy bleeding should be checked by a doctor; plantain is not a replacement for medical care.

¹⁷

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (laboratory and animal only)

Very low certainty

Extracts of plantain leaf and the compound aucubin show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weak antibiotic activity in test tubes and animals. None of this has been shown to help people.

2 studiesExtracts and isolated compounds.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Samuelsen 2000 lists wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immune-modulating and antiulcer activities in extract studies. Zeng 2020 reviews aucubin: many lab effects, poor oral absorption in rats, no serious adverse reactions reported to date. Both are lab or animal evidence.

Results

Lab and animal only.

Why this rating

No human outcome; compound-level findings do not transfer to leaf tea or gel.

Form and dose studied

Extracts and isolated compounds.

Who was studied

Cells and animals.

Limits

Not human evidence.

Why researchers looked

Explains why researchers study the plant.

Traditional use

Used traditionally against infections, pain and inflammation.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Aucubin and other iridoids, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives act on inflammation pathways in cells and animals.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See safety tab.

^{23 25}

Connections to the rest of health

How Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Healthy skin	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Small ulcer trials were positive; animal evidence did not support wound healing. Healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels, with routine care): Three small trials in Iran used gels or creams made from broadleaf plantain on foot and pressure ulcers. All three reported better healing than the comparison, but the best-reported trial had no placebo and one gel also contained aloe. This is promising, not proven, and it does not show that crushed leaf or tea works. Preparation or compound: Leaf-extract gels (lab-made)	^{14 20 3 15 1}
Women's wellness	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	One trial for heavy periods, no placebo-only group. Preparation or compound: Plantain syrup (species unstated)	¹⁷
Inflammation Balance	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Sore mouth lining after radiotherapy (plantain syrup): One small double-blind trial in head and neck cancer patients found a plantain syrup lowered mouth-sore severity and pain compared with placebo. A review of natural products found most trials positive but did not separate out plantain. Evidence is very limited.	^{24 22}
Healthy Skin	Biological association	Very low certainty	Wound healing in animals: A systematic review of animal wound studies did not find reliable evidence that broadleaf plantain heals wounds in living animals. All four studies were at high risk of bias.	³
Healthy Skin	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Traditional use on wounds and skin (broadleaf plantain): For centuries people in many parts of the world have put the leaf on wounds, and used it for skin, breathing, digestive and other problems. This is tradition, not proof. Minor skin inflammation (ribwort plantain leaf, traditional EU use): The EU accepts ribwort plantain leaf (a different species) as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation, based on long use only. No controlled trial supports it, and nothing here shows that broadleaf plantain works the same way.	^{23 19 7}
Immune Support	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain): Plantain leaf is a traditional chest remedy. A 2025 review says there are lab and animal findings and some clinical hints, but few human studies and no good proof that it relieves cough or breathing problems. Cough with a cold, dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain leaf, EU traditional use): The EU recognises ribwort plantain leaf (a different species) as a traditional remedy for throat irritation with dry cough and for cough with a cold, based on long use only. The EU found no controlled trials, only one uncontrolled study of a syrup.	^{2 23 7 6 5}
Immune Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Acute cough in children (honey and five-herb syrup that includes plantain): A trial in 106 children found a syrup containing honey and five plant extracts, including Plantago major, eased cough sooner than placebo. Because honey and other herbs were included and the makers were involved, this does not show that plantain does anything.	⁴
Womens Wellness	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup): In one Iranian trial of 68 women, a plantain syrup lowered bleeding about as much as the drug mefenamic acid on severity, though the drug shortened bleeding duration more. The abstract does not say which plantain species was used.	¹⁷
Inflammation Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (laboratory and animal only): Extracts of plantain leaf and the compound aucubin show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weak antibiotic activity in test tubes and animals. None of this has been shown to help people.	^{23 25}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Respiratory system	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Traditional cough use; the EU recognises ribwort leaf for traditional use only. Preparation or compound: Leaf (tea, syrup)	^{7 2}
Integumentary System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels, with routine care) Studied for: Skin soreness from breast radiotherapy (plantain, mallow and honey ointment)	^{14 20 15 1 3 23 19 7}
Digestive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Sore mouth lining after radiotherapy (plantain syrup)	^{24 22}
Respiratory System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain) Studied for: Cough with a cold, dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain leaf, EU traditional use)	^{2 23 7 6 5 4}
Reproductive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup)	¹⁷
Immune System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (laboratory and animal only)	^{23 25}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Wound size (percentage reduction)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{14 20}
Complete ulcer healing	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁴
Mouth-sore severity (WHO scale)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁴
Radiation skin reaction (grade 2 or worse)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹
Cough score (night and day)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴
Menstrual bleeding severity (pictorial chart)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁷
Haemoglobin	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁷

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Aucubin	Biological association	Animal	Anti-inflammatory in mouse paw tests; poor oral absorption in rats. Preparation or compound: Leaf; about 1 to 3% in older ribwort leaves (EMA)	^{25 7 13}
Catalpol	Biological association	Animal	Named with aucubin by EMA as a main iridoid. Preparation or compound: Young leaves (ribwort; EMA)	^{7 13}
Acteoside (verbascoside)	Biological association	In vitro	Used as the quality marker. Preparation or compound: Leaf (marker compound for ribwort in the European Pharmacopoeia)	^{18 7 13}
Flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, luteolin)	Biological association	Authoritative guidance	Quercetin was used to standardise a trial gel; apigenin and luteolin are named by EMA for ribwort. Preparation or compound: Leaf	^{15 7}
Polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives	Biological association	In vitro	Listed by Samuelsen 2000 as constituents. Whether the leaf holds a meaningful amount of mucilage is not verified in the sources read. Preparation or compound: Leaf	²³
Allantoin	Biological association	In vitro	Often named as a plantain constituent, but this was NOT verified in any source read here. Preparation or compound: Not verified	¹³

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 7 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Organ function1 Other411

The evidence

The research centre for Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers (leaf-extract gels, with routine care) 3 studies · 40 people in trials Low certainty Sore mouth lining after radiotherapy (plantain syrup) 2 studies · 46 people in trials Very low certainty Skin soreness from breast radiotherapy (plantain, mallow and honey ointment) 1 study · 84 people in trials Very low certainty Wound healing in animals 1 study Very low certainty Traditional use on wounds and skin (broadleaf plantain) 2 studies Not enough evidence Minor skin inflammation (ribwort plantain leaf, traditional EU use) 1 study Not enough evidence Cough, asthma and bronchitis (broadleaf plantain) 2 studies Not enough evidence Cough with a cold, dry cough and throat irritation (ribwort plantain leaf, EU traditional use) 3 studies Not enough evidence Acute cough in children (honey and five-herb syrup that includes plantain) 1 study · 106 people in trials Low certainty Heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup) 1 study · 68 people in trials Very low certainty Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (laboratory and animal only) 2 studies Very low certainty

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing summary, then searched PubMed, read the abstract of every PubMed study cited, downloaded and read the EU monograph and assessment report for ribwort plantain, and checked plant names in GBIF and NCBI and compounds in PubChem. Not found: an EU monograph for broadleaf plantain, an NCCIH page, and LiverTox or LactMed entries. One case report had no abstract and only its title was used. Certainty ratings are the compiler's reading, not formal grades. No study is cited that we could not verify.

Study library: every study we checked 25

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Asadi 2026 The preventive effects of plantago major, mallow and Honey on radiation-induced dermatitis in patients with breast cancer: A double-blind clinical trial J Oncol Pharm Pract · PMID 41891190 · DOI	Controlled trial	84 Women with breast cancer starting radiotherapy (42 ointment, 42 placebo)	Topical ointment of Plantago major, mallow and honey (combination product) through radiotherapy, follow-up to 3 months · vs Placebo ointment	Itching scores lower on day 14 (0.71 vs 2.93, P<0.01) and day 21 (1.26 vs 4.26, P<0.01); grade 2 or worse dermatitis in 26.2% vs 61.9%; pigmentation lower at 3 months (P=0.001). Less severe dermatitis with the combination ointment Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Radiation dermatitis grade, itching, burning, pain, pigmentation Limitations: Three active ingredients; plantain cannot be credited alone; one trial. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Boskabadi 2025 The therapeutic effects of Plantago major and its main constituents on respiratory diseases: a narrative review Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 40663154 · DOI	Narrative review	Experimental and clinical studies of P. major in respiratory disease	Plantago major and constituents (various) mixed	The review reports reduced cough and wheeze, higher FEV1 and FVC in people with asthma, a quick effect on bronchitis signs and antiviral effects, but states that clinical studies in humans are limited. Hints of benefit; limited clinical studies Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cough, wheeze, lung function (as summarised) Limitations: Narrative review, not a systematic search with risk-of-bias grading; the abstract does not list the individual human studies. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Cardoso 2021 The Effect of Plantago major on Wound Healing in Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review Wound Manag Prev · PMID 33448940	Systematic review animal	Animal skin-wound models (4 of 176 records met criteria)	Topical Plantago major in animal wound models wound healing assessed 17 to 21 days after wounding	Four animal studies of 20 to 100 animals each. Best wound contraction at 10%, 20% and 50% concentrations versus control, but all studies had a high risk of bias; the review found no evidence of in vivo effectiveness. No reliable evidence of effect in animals Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Wound contraction in animals Limitations: All four studies were at high risk of bias; animals, not people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Carnevali 2021 Efficacy and safety of the syrup "KalobaTUSS®" as a treatment for cough in children: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial BMC Pediatr · PMID 33430841 · DOI	Controlled trial	106 Children with acute cough (KalobaTUSS vs placebo)	KalobaTUSS syrup: acacia honey plus Malva sylvestris, Inula helenium, Plantago major and Helichrysum stoechas extracts (combination product) 8 days · vs Placebo syrup	Children on the syrup had an earlier and significant reduction in night and day cough scores and a shorter cough than placebo. Figures not given in the abstract. Less cough with the combination syrup Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Night and day cough scores, cough duration Limitations: Five plant ingredients plus honey; plantain cannot be credited alone; registered retrospectively. Funding and conflicts: Authors from the manufacturer (Schwabe Pharma Italia) are listed; industry-linked. Read: abstract
Ciprandi 2025 Natural antitussive products for children and adolescents: darkness and shadow Minerva Pediatr (Torino) · PMID 40512457 · DOI	Narrative review	Natural cough products for children sold in Italy	Natural cough products (including some with Plantago lanceolata) mixed	The Italian paediatric allergy society task force says few clinical studies exist and the evidence is generally scarce and of poor quality; doctors should know the exact composition of a product. Evidence scarce and poor quality Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Evidence for natural cough remedies in children Limitations: Review of Italian market products, not a trial. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
EMA 2014 Community herbal monograph on Plantago lanceolata L., folium (EMA/HMPC/437858/2010 Corr.) European Medicines Agency · Source	Authoritative guidance	Ribwort plantain leaf (P. lanceolata, not P. major)	Plantago lanceolata leaf, herbal preparations leaf	Traditional use only as a demulcent for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough, based on long use. Hypersensitivity is a contraindication; interactions none reported; undesirable effects none known; pregnancy and breastfeeding use not recommended (safety not established); oral use under 3 years not recommended; tests of reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and genotoxicity not performed. Regulator statement for a different species Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Traditional use, safety statements Limitations: Applies to ribwort plantain leaf, not broadleaf plantain; a later revision exists (see the 2025 assessment report). Funding and conflicts: Not stated Read: full-text
EMA 2025 Assessment report on Plantago lanceolata L., folium, Final Revision 1 (EMA/HMPC/887981/2022) European Medicines Agency · Source	Authoritative guidance	Ribwort plantain leaf (P. lanceolata, not P. major)	Plantago lanceolata leaf, herbal preparations leaf	No controlled clinical trials of the leaf; well-established use not accepted; traditional use accepted as plausible for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, cough with a cold, and minor skin inflammation. Pharmacovigilance: 20 spontaneous reports to EudraVigilance up to October 2020, none with proven cause; contraindication widened to include ribwort plantain pollen allergy; about 30% of people with pollen allergy react to the pollen; use in pregnancy and breastfeeding not recommended; oral use under 3 years not recommended; EU list entry not supported because genotoxicity data are lacking. Only an uncontrolled post-marketing study of 593 people with a cough syrup (Kraft 1997) exists. Regulator assessment for a different species Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Efficacy and safety assessment Limitations: Applies to ribwort plantain leaf; broadleaf plantain was not assessed. Funding and conflicts: Not stated Read: full-text
Erdem 2009 Acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by Plantago major Contact Dermatitis · PMID 19338603 · DOI	Case report	Case report of acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by Plantago major	Plantago major (skin contact)	Only the title was available (PubMed lists no abstract), so the details were not read. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin reaction Limitations: Abstract not available; nothing beyond the title can be stated. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: title-only
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem 2026 GBIF species match: Plantago ovata Forssk. Database record · Source	Database not applicable	Plant name or compound record	not applicable	Accepted name (the psyllium plant), GBIF key 3189723. Identity record Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity check Funding and conflicts: Public database, checked 2026-10-25 Read: full-text
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem 2026 GBIF species match: Plantago major L. Database record · Source	Database not applicable	Plant name or compound record	not applicable	Accepted name, family Plantaginaceae, order Lamiales, GBIF key 3189767. Identity record Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity check Funding and conflicts: Public database, checked 2026-10-25 Read: full-text
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem 2026 GBIF species match: Plantago lanceolata L. Database record · Source	Database not applicable	Plant name or compound record	not applicable	Accepted name, family Plantaginaceae, GBIF key 8208358. Identity record Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity check Funding and conflicts: Public database, checked 2026-10-25 Read: full-text
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem 2026 NCBI Taxonomy: Plantago major (taxid 29818) and Plantago lanceolata (taxid 39414) Database record · Source	Database not applicable	Plant name or compound record	not applicable	Both names found in NCBI Taxonomy. Identity record Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity check Funding and conflicts: Public database, checked 2026-10-25 Read: full-text
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem 2026 PubChem: aucubin CID 91458, catalpol CID 91520, acteoside CID 5281800, allantoin CID 204 Database record · Source	Database not applicable	Plant name or compound record	not applicable	Aucubin C15H22O9, catalpol C15H22O10, acteoside C29H36O15, allantoin C4H6N4O3. Identity record Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Identity check Funding and conflicts: Public database, checked 2026-10-25 Read: full-text
Ghanadian 2024 The Effect of Plantago major Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Healing of Diabetic Foot and Pressure Ulcers: A Randomized Open-Label Controlled Clinical Trial Int J Low Extrem Wounds · PMID 35044254 · DOI	Rct open label	94 People with diabetic foot ulcers or pressure ulcers (50 gel, 44 control completed)	Plantago major leaf hydroalcoholic extract, 10% topical gel, once a day with dressing and routine wound care leaf 2 weeks · vs Modern dressing plus routine wound care, no gel	Size reduction at week 1: 64.90 +/- 29.75% vs 33.11 +/- 26.55% (P<0.001); week 2: 86.85 +/- 24.34% vs 52.87 +/- 32.41% (P<0.001). Complete healing: 32 of 50 (64%) vs 9 of 44 (20.45%). Odds ratio for complete healing 3.129 (95% CI 1.685 to 5.809) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Wound size reduction at days 7 and 14; complete healing Limitations: Open-label (nobody was blinded) and no placebo gel; two weeks only; one research group; a lab-made extract, not raw leaf. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared; one author is listed with the research department of a pharmaceutical company (Goldaru), so industry links cannot be excluded. Read: abstract
Ghiasian 2021 Clinical and phytochemical studies of Plantago major in pressure ulcer treatment: A randomized controlled trial Complement Ther Clin Pract · PMID 33548748 · DOI	Rct triple blind	130 Patients with stage 1 pressure ulcer	Plantago major topical formulation, standardised by HPLC to quercetin 1.88 mg/100 g 14 days · vs Control formulation (details not in the abstract)	The abstract reports a significant difference in resolution between the test and control groups and no side effects, but gives no numbers. Significant difference (size not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Resolution of the skin damage Limitations: No numbers in the abstract; only stage 1 (unbroken skin) ulcers; control formulation not described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Jurowski 2022 The Level of Cadmium Impurities in Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products with Plantago lanceolata L., folium (Ribwort Plantain Leaves) Available in Polish Pharmacies - Comprehensive Toxicological Risk Assessment Including Regulatory Point of View and ICH Q3D Elemental Impurities Guideline Biol Trace Elem Res · PMID 34373979 · DOI	Laboratory analysis laboratory	Traditional herbal products with ribwort plantain leaf sold in Polish pharmacies	Products containing Plantago lanceolata leaf leaf	All products contained some cadmium, at very low levels (0.73 to 20.6 micrograms per litre); estimated worst-case daily exposure was below the ICH Q3D oral limit (5.0 micrograms a day). Cadmium low; not a health hazard in this analysis Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cadmium content and exposure risk Limitations: Polish pharmacy syrups and liquids only; says nothing about wild-picked leaf or other species. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Khodabakhsh 2020 The effect of plantain syrup on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized triple blind clinical trial Phytother Res · PMID 31486196 · DOI	Controlled trial	68 Women with heavy menstrual bleeding (plantain syrup vs mefenamic acid)	Plantain syrup (species and plant part not stated in the abstract) first 5 days of 3 menstrual cycles · vs Mefenamic acid capsule (an active drug), with placebo syrup	Both groups improved. Bleeding severity after treatment did not differ between groups (Cohen d 0.24); bleeding duration fell more with mefenamic acid (Cohen d 0.57); haemoglobin change did not differ between groups. Similar severity result to the drug; drug shortened duration more Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bleeding severity and duration (pictorial chart), haemoglobin Limitations: No placebo-only group; the plantain species is not named in the abstract, so it may not be P. major. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Mansoor 2017 Stability Study and a 14-Day Oral Dose Toxicity in Rats of Plantain Leaf Extract (Plantago lanceolata L.) Syrup Sci Pharm · PMID 28327509 · DOI	Animal toxicity animal	Rats given plantain leaf extract syrup by mouth for 14 days	Plantago lanceolata leaf extract syrup leaf 3, 6 or 12 mL syrup per kg twice daily (rats) 14 days	No sign of toxicity in rats; the syrup stayed stable under test. No toxicity in a 14-day rat test Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Appearance, behaviour, body and organ weights Limitations: Rats; 14 days only; ribwort, not broadleaf plantain. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared Read: abstract
Najafian 2018 Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review Electron Physician · PMID 29629064 · DOI	Narrative review in-vitro	Traditional Persian medicine texts and modern studies of Plantago major	Plantago major (roasted seeds, decoction, syrup, liniment, gargle and others in traditional texts) mixed	Traditional uses included constipation, cough and wounds. The review says several traditional properties (wound healing, antitussive, anti-inflammatory and others) have been supported by recent research and calls for more studies. Traditional use plus lab support Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity Limitations: Narrative review; mixes seed and leaf uses. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared Read: abstract
Najafian 2019 Efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago Major Gel in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial Curr Drug Discov Technol · PMID 29336265 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 People with diabetic foot ulcers (20 gel, 20 placebo)	Plantavera gel (Aloe vera plus Plantago major) twice a day with routine care 4 weeks · vs Placebo gel plus routine care	Total ulcer score differed between groups (P<0.001); ulcer surface was reduced more with the gel (P=0.039); ulcer depth did not differ (P=0.263). No side effect observed with the gel. Better total score and surface area; no difference in depth Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Ulcer score, ulcer surface, ulcer depth Limitations: Small; 4 weeks; aloe was in the same gel so the effect cannot be credited to plantain; numbers per group not given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: None declared in the record Read: abstract
Ozkol 2012 Development of phytophotodermatitis in two cases related to Plantago lanceolata Cutan Ocul Toxicol · PMID 22309280 · DOI	Case report	2 Two people who ate Plantago lanceolata leaf and then were in the sun	Plantago lanceolata (leaf eaten) leaf	The authors describe two cases of a sun-triggered skin reaction (phytophotodermatitis) after eating the plant, and say no similar case had been published. Two case reports Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin reaction after sun exposure Limitations: Only two cases; the abstract gives no further detail. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Pranadwista 2023 Effectiveness of natural-based products for radiation-induced oral mucositis therapy: A systematic review Cancer Treat Res Commun · PMID 37209466 · DOI	Systematic review	Head and neck cancer patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis; 12 randomised trials of natural products	Natural products including Plantago major, manuka honey, thyme honey, aloe vera, calendula, Zataria multiflora, turmeric mixed	Eight of the twelve trials showed benefit on at least one measure. The abstract does not separate out the plantain result. Natural products as a group looked helpful Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Severity, incidence, pain, lesion size Limitations: Plantain not separated from the other products in the abstract; trials were small and varied. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Samuelsen 2000 The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 10904143	Narrative review in-vitro	Traditional use and laboratory activity of Plantago major	Plantago major leaf extracts (various) leaf	Leaves used for wounds for centuries worldwide, and also for skin, breathing, digestive, reproductive and circulation problems, cancer, pain and infections. Extracts showed wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immune-modulating and anti-ulcer activity in studies. Traditional and lab findings only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Traditional uses, constituents, lab activities Limitations: 2000 review; lab and traditional evidence; does not show benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Soltani 2020 Efficacy of the plantago major L. syrup on radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial Complement Ther Med · PMID 32507421 · DOI	Controlled trial	46 Head and neck cancer patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis (23 syrup, 23 placebo)	Plantago major syrup (leaf or other part not stated in the abstract) 7 weeks · vs Placebo syrup	Mucositis severity and pain were significantly lower with the syrup than placebo (P<0.05). Figures not given in the abstract. Lower severity and pain (size not given) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mucositis severity (WHO scale) and pain (visual analogue scale) Limitations: Small (46 people); plant part not stated; no numbers in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Zeng 2020 A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of aucubin Fitoterapia · PMID 31790767 · DOI	Narrative review animal	Aucubin (iridoid) from several plants including Plantago asiatica	Aucubin (isolated compound) isolated compound	Aucubin has many lab effects, poor oral absorption in rats and no serious adverse reactions reported to date; the authors say clinical studies are needed. Compound-level review Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pharmacology and toxicology of aucubin Limitations: About the isolated compound, not the leaf; mostly rats and cells. Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: low-certainty benefit for ulcer gels; everything else is traditional or very limited.
No controlled trial of fresh leaf, leaf tea or crushed leaf.
Broadleaf plantain has no EU monograph found and no safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or interactions.
Cough evidence for broadleaf plantain rests on a narrative review; ribwort evidence is traditional only.
Allantoin and mucilage content of the leaf were not verified.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Organ function 1

●

Haemoglobin

No clear change in trials

Level of the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood; low levels mean anaemia.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Heavy bleeding can cause anaemia.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Between-group figures not in the abstract.

Safety implication

None reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁷	Haemoglobin change did not differ between plantain syrup and mefenamic acid after treatment	68 women with heavy menstrual bleeding	Plantain syrup vs mefenamic acid

¹⁷

Other 6

▼

Wound size (percentage reduction)

Lowered in trials

How much smaller the ulcer is than at the start, measured from the wound area.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Wound size is the main early measure used in ulcer trials.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Size is a stand-in for healing. Complete healing is the outcome that matters most to patients.

Safety implication

None in these trials.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	Size reduced 86.85 +/- 24.34% (gel) vs 52.87 +/- 32.41% (dressing) at 14 days	94 people with diabetic foot or pressure ulcers	10% Plantago major leaf extract gel with routine care vs dressing alone
²⁰	Ulcer surface reduced more with gel than placebo (P=0.039); depth no different (P=0.263)	40 people with diabetic foot ulcers	Aloe vera plus Plantago major gel vs placebo gel

^{14 20}

▲

Complete ulcer healing

Raised in trials

Whether the ulcer fully closed by the end of the trial.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Closure is the real goal of ulcer care.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Large difference but from an open-label trial with no placebo and only 2 weeks of follow-up.

Safety implication

None in this trial.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	32 of 50 (64%) healed vs 9 of 44 (20.45%); OR 3.129 (95% CI 1.685 to 5.809)	94 people with diabetic foot or pressure ulcers	10% Plantago major leaf extract gel with routine care vs dressing alone

¹⁴

▼

Mouth-sore severity (WHO scale)

Lowered in trials

A clinician grade of how severe the mouth sores are.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It tracks how much radiotherapy has damaged the mouth lining.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant, size unknown.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁴	Severity lower with syrup than placebo (P<0.05); values not in the abstract	46 head and neck cancer patients	Plantago major syrup vs placebo syrup, 7 weeks

²⁴

▼

Radiation skin reaction (grade 2 or worse)

Lowered in trials

The share of women with moderate or worse skin reaction to radiotherapy.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Moderate reactions can force treatment breaks.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Large difference in one trial of a combination.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	26.2% vs 61.9% had grade 2 or worse dermatitis; itching day 21 1.26 vs 4.26	84 women with breast cancer	Plantago major, mallow and honey ointment vs placebo ointment

▼

Cough score (night and day)

Lowered in trials

A parent-rated or clinician-rated score of how bad the cough is.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Cough severity is the main outcome in children's cough trials.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Symptom score; improvement partly reflects natural recovery that placebo also had.

Safety implication

None reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴	Earlier and significant fall in night and day cough scores vs placebo; values not in the abstract	106 children with acute cough	Honey and five-herb syrup including Plantago major vs placebo, 8 days

⁴

●

Menstrual bleeding severity (pictorial chart)

No clear change in trials

A chart where women mark how heavily pads or tampons are soaked.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard way to grade heavy periods outside the clinic.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

No placebo-only group, so improvement cannot be credited to plantain.

Safety implication

None reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁷	No significant difference vs mefenamic acid after treatment (Cohen d 0.24); both groups improved	68 women with heavy menstrual bleeding	Plantain syrup vs mefenamic acid

¹⁷

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 5

Pollen allergy (ribwort plantain). The EU assessment of ribwort plantain leaf says about 30% of people with pollen allergy react to its pollen, and the 2025 update adds ribwort plantain pollen allergy to the contraindications. The EU judges allergic reactions to leaf preparations unlikely because they contain no pollen and are not inhaled. Nobody has checked broadleaf plantain leaf for this. Authoritative guidance ⁷
Skin reactions. Case reports describe irritant contact dermatitis from broadleaf plantain (the PubMed record has no abstract, so details were not read) and a sun-triggered skin reaction in two people who ate ribwort plantain leaf. Very few cases are reported. Case report ^{8 21}
Not a replacement for wound care. In the ulcer trials, the gel was used with routine wound care, not instead of it. Deep, dirty, infected or slow-healing wounds, and any wound in a person with diabetes, need a clinician. Controlled trial ^{14 20}
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and young children. For ribwort plantain leaf the EU says use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended because safety is not established, and oral use under 3 years is not recommended. No source covers broadleaf plantain, so the same caution is the safest assumption. Authoritative guidance ^{6 7}
Safety record is thin. Not found is not the same as safe. No regulator monograph, NCCIH page, LiverTox entry or interaction study was found for broadleaf plantain leaf. Authoritative guidance ⁷

Side effects 5

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
None observed in two ulcer trials of topical gels The abstracts say no side effect was seen; both trials were small or short.	Not established	not applicable not applicable	Controlled trial ^{20 15}
Diarrhoea (ribwort cough syrup, uncontrolled study) From the Kraft 1997 study as quoted by EMA; causality was unclear.	5 of 593 people (about 1%), all at one centre; 7 adverse events in total	mild Not stated	Authoritative guidance ⁷
Contact skin irritation (broadleaf plantain) Title-only record.	Not established	Not stated Not stated	Case report ⁸
Sun-triggered skin reaction after eating ribwort leaf Authors say no similar case had been published.	2 cases reported	Not stated Not stated	Case report ²¹
Spontaneous reports to the EU safety database EMA found no well-documented case with proven cause and no new risk; the EU monograph lists no undesirable effects.	20 reports for ribwort plantain up to October 2020	Mixed Not stated	Authoritative guidance ⁷

Liver

No LiverTox entry for plantain herb was found (a search of NCBI Books returned only a psyllium entry in LactMed, which is a different plant). No human case of liver injury from plantain leaf was found in the sources read. In animals, a 14-day rat test of a ribwort leaf syrup showed no signs of toxicity and normal organ weights, and EMA quotes older rat work in which high aucubin doses did not change liver enzymes. Rat liver-protection findings are lab evidence only. ^{18 7}

How often. No frequency data.

Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice found. People with liver disease should ask a clinician before using any herbal product by mouth.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P. lanceolata) supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 4

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines taken by mouth prescription	No mechanism established.	Unknown. The EU monograph and assessment list interactions as none reported for ribwort plantain leaf, but the assessors note no specific interaction data exist.	Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence ^{6 7}	Ask a pharmacist before combining with medicines, especially if you take several.
Routine wound care, dressings and diabetic foot care procedure	Not studied.	The gels in the ulcer trials were used together with routine wound care and no interaction was reported.	Controlled trial Low certainty ^{14 20}	Keep following your wound-care team's plan and tell them what you apply.
Strong sunlight other	A plant-triggered sun reaction (phytophotodermatitis) was described after eating ribwort leaf.	Two cases only.	Case report Very low certainty ²¹	If a rash appears on sun-exposed skin after using the plant, stop and ask a clinician.
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy prescription	Not studied beyond the trials of mouth syrup and ointment during radiotherapy.	Those trials reported symptom benefit and no problems in their abstracts; effects combined with cancer treatment are not otherwise known.	Controlled trial Very low certainty ^{24 1}	Tell your cancer team before using any herb.

Who should check first 5

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Allergy to plantain or to ribwort plantain pollen	Avoid (EU contraindication for ribwort leaf products).	Authoritative guidance ⁷
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Use not recommended for ribwort leaf because safety is not established; no data for broadleaf plantain.	Authoritative guidance ^{6 7}
Children under 3 (by mouth)	Not recommended for ribwort leaf; ask a doctor.	Authoritative guidance ^{6 7}
Deep, infected, dirty or slow-healing wounds; diabetic foot ulcers	See a clinician; do not rely on a plant remedy.	Controlled trial ¹⁴
Breathlessness, fever or purulent phlegm with a cough	See a doctor (EU monograph advice).	Authoritative guidance ⁶

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. No known toxic amount in people. Animal and lab data are limited, and EMA states that tests of reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity have not been done and genotoxicity data are inadequate.

Animal. 14-day rat test of a ribwort leaf syrup: no signs of toxicity, normal body and organ weights. EMA also quotes mouse work: no deaths after aucubin doses up to 900 mg/kg, and no liver-test changes at 800 mg/kg four times a week.

High dose or long term signals. EMA, citing a textbook, says aucubin can cause stomach and bowel upset and nervous-system effects after oral doses; this has not been shown with leaf products. No long-term safety study found.

Overdose response. No case of overdose has been reported (EU monograph).

Genotoxicity. Old tests on a ribwort tincture were negative, but EMA says they cannot be used to judge the products; adequate genotoxicity tests are not available.

Toxic plant parts. No toxic plant part was identified. The pollen is the allergen. Seed (psyllium-type) is a different matter and not covered here.

Few quality studies exist for plantain products. The one metals study (Polish pharmacy products with ribwort leaf) found very low cadmium. Wild-picked plants can carry soil or roadside pollutants, but this was not examined in the sources read.

Cadmium in ribwort leaf products. All tested products contained cadmium at very low levels, below the ICH Q3D oral limit (5.0 micrograms a day) even in a worst-case estimate. ¹⁶

Species mix-ups. Broadleaf plantain, ribwort plantain, psyllium (Plantago ovata) and banana-type cooking plantain are different plants. The EU monograph is for ribwort only. Evidence for psyllium fibre does not apply to plantain leaf. ^{6 9}

Body	Action	Date
European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (European Union)	Community herbal monograph for Plantago lanceolata leaf (ribwort): traditional use as a demulcent for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough; not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding or oral use under 3 years. source	2014-01-28
European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (European Union)	Assessment report, Revision 1, on Plantago lanceolata leaf: traditional use accepted for throat irritation, cough with a cold and minor skin inflammation; no controlled trials; contraindication widened to ribwort pollen allergy. source	2025-07-09

When to get medical help

Swelling of the lips, face or tongue, wheeze, hives or trouble breathing (possible allergy): get urgent help.
A wound that becomes more red, hot, swollen or painful, has pus or a bad smell, or comes with fever: see a clinician the same day.
A new rash on sun-exposed skin after using the plant: stop and ask a clinician.
Cough with breathlessness, fever or yellow-green phlegm, or a cough that lasts over a week: see a doctor (EU monograph advice).

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is plantain herb?

Plantain herb usually means the leaf of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), a common lawn and roadside weed. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a related species with its own European traditional-use monograph. Both are different from psyllium and from the banana-like cooking plantain.

^{10 11}

Is plantain herb the same as psyllium or cooking plantain?

No. Psyllium is made from the seed husk of Plantago ovata and is a fibre supplement. Cooking plantain is a banana-type fruit from a different plant family. Research on psyllium does not apply to plantain leaf.

⁹

Does plantain leaf heal wounds?

Small trials of lab-made leaf-extract gels used with routine care reported faster healing of diabetic foot and pressure ulcers, but they were short, mostly open-label or from one research group, and did not test fresh leaf. A review of animal studies found no reliable evidence. The honest answer is promising but unproven.

^{14 20 15 3}

Can I put crushed plantain leaf on a cut?

It is a very old folk remedy, but no trial tested crushed leaf. For anything deep, dirty, infected or slow to heal, and for any wound with diabetes, see a clinician rather than relying on a plant.

^{23 14}

Does plantain help a cough?

Ribwort plantain leaf is accepted in the EU as a traditional remedy for dry cough and throat irritation based on long use, but no controlled trials exist. For broadleaf plantain a 2025 review says human studies are limited. See a doctor for breathlessness, fever, yellow-green phlegm or a cough lasting over a week.

^{7 6 2}

Is there an EU monograph for plantain?

Yes, for ribwort plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata), as a traditional herbal medicine. We did not find one for broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), though that was not re-checked on the EMA website today.

^{6 7}

Can plantain cause allergy?

The EU assessment of ribwort plantain says about 30% of people with pollen allergy react to its pollen and adds pollen allergy to the contraindications, while judging reactions to leaf products unlikely. Case reports also describe skin irritation from broadleaf plantain and a sun-triggered skin reaction after eating ribwort leaf. If you have plantain or grass pollen allergy, ask a clinician first.

^{7 21 8}

Is plantain safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

For ribwort leaf the EU says use is not recommended because safety has not been established. No source covers broadleaf plantain, so the same caution applies. Ask your midwife or doctor.

^{6 7}

Is plantain safe for children?

The EU does not recommend ribwort plantain by mouth for children under 3. In a children's cough trial the syrup contained five plant extracts and honey, so it says little about plantain alone. Talk to a paediatrician first.

^{6 4}

Does plantain interact with medicines or harm the liver?

No interaction studies or human liver injury reports were found, and the EU lists no interactions for ribwort leaf. That is a gap in knowledge, not a clearance. Ask a pharmacist, especially if you take several medicines or have liver disease.

^{7 18}

What are aucubin and the other compounds in plantain?

Aucubin and catalpol are iridoids that show anti-inflammatory activity in animal and lab tests; acteoside is a quality marker for ribwort. Allantoin, often named as a plantain compound, was not confirmed in the sources we read. These findings do not show benefit in people.

^{25 7 13}

Should I talk to a professional before using it?

Yes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes or a wound that is not healing, take medicines, are having cancer treatment, or have pollen allergy.

⁷

Explore by health goal

Healthy Skin Immune Support Inflammation Balance Womens Wellness

Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We started from our existing summary, then searched PubMed, read the abstract of every PubMed study cited, downloaded and read the EU monograph and assessment report for ribwort plantain, and checked plant names in GBIF and NCBI and compounds in PubChem. Not found: an EU monograph for broadleaf plantain, an NCCIH page, and LiverTox or LactMed entries. One case report had no abstract and only its title was used. Certainty ratings are the compiler's reading, not formal grades. No study is cited that we could not verify.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.

Sources 25

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Asadi A, Javadinia SA, NeamatShahi M, et al.. The preventive effects of plantago major, mallow and Honey on radiation-induced dermatitis in patients with breast cancer: A double-blind clinical trial. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2026. PMID 41891190. DOI 10.1177/10781552261422456. (abstract)
Boskabadi SJ, Farzameh F, Mohammadnejad K, et al.. The therapeutic effects of Plantago major and its main constituents on respiratory diseases: a narrative review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2025. PMID 40663154. DOI 10.1007/s00210-025-04276-8. (abstract)
Cardoso FCI, Breder JC, Apolinário PP, et al.. The Effect of Plantago major on Wound Healing in Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review. Wound Manag Prev. 2021. PMID 33448940. (abstract)
Carnevali I, La Paglia R, Pauletto L, et al.. Efficacy and safety of the syrup "KalobaTUSS®" as a treatment for cough in children: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Pediatr. 2021. PMID 33430841. DOI 10.1186/s12887-020-02490-2. (abstract)
Ciprandi G, . Natural antitussive products for children and adolescents: darkness and shadow. Minerva Pediatr (Torino). 2025. PMID 40512457. DOI 10.23736/S2724-5276.25.07848-6. (abstract)
EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Community herbal monograph on Plantago lanceolata L., folium (EMA/HMPC/437858/2010 Corr.). European Medicines Agency. 2014. (full-text)
EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Assessment report on Plantago lanceolata L., folium, Final Revision 1 (EMA/HMPC/887981/2022). European Medicines Agency. 2025. (full-text)
Erdem T, Caferoğlu Sakat S, Ismail Engin R, et al.. Acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by Plantago major. Contact Dermatitis. 2009. PMID 19338603. DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2009.01517.x. (title-only)
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem. GBIF species match: Plantago ovata Forssk.. Database record. 2026. (full-text)
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem. GBIF species match: Plantago major L.. Database record. 2026. (full-text)
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem. GBIF species match: Plantago lanceolata L.. Database record. 2026. (full-text)
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem. NCBI Taxonomy: Plantago major (taxid 29818) and Plantago lanceolata (taxid 39414). Database record. 2026. (full-text)
GBIF / NCBI / PubChem. PubChem: aucubin CID 91458, catalpol CID 91520, acteoside CID 5281800, allantoin CID 204. Database record. 2026. (full-text)
Ghanadian M, Soltani R, Homayouni A, et al.. The Effect of Plantago major Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Healing of Diabetic Foot and Pressure Ulcers: A Randomized Open-Label Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2024. PMID 35044254. DOI 10.1177/15347346211070723. (abstract)
Ghiasian M, Niroomandi Z, Dastan D, et al.. Clinical and phytochemical studies of Plantago major in pressure ulcer treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021. PMID 33548748. DOI 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101325. (abstract)
Jurowski K, Fołta M, Tatar B, et al.. The Level of Cadmium Impurities in Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products with Plantago lanceolata L., folium (Ribwort Plantain Leaves) Available in Polish Pharmacies - Comprehensive Toxicological Risk Assessment Including Regulatory Point of View and ICH Q3D Elemental Impurities Guideline. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022. PMID 34373979. DOI 10.1007/s12011-021-02861-5. (abstract)
Khodabakhsh M, Mahmoudinia M, Mousavi Bazaz M, et al.. The effect of plantain syrup on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized triple blind clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2020. PMID 31486196. DOI 10.1002/ptr.6502. (abstract)
Mansoor K, Qadan F, Schmidt M, et al.. Stability Study and a 14-Day Oral Dose Toxicity in Rats of Plantain Leaf Extract (Plantago lanceolata L.) Syrup. Sci Pharm. 2017. PMID 28327509. DOI 10.3390/scipharm85010015. (abstract)
Najafian Y, Hamedi SS, Farshchi MK, et al.. Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review. Electron Physician. 2018. PMID 29629064. DOI 10.19082/6390. (abstract)
Najafian Y, Khorasani ZM, Najafi MN, et al.. Efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago Major Gel in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2019. PMID 29336265. DOI 10.2174/1570163815666180115093007. (abstract)
Ozkol HU, Akdeniz N, Ozkol H, et al.. Development of phytophotodermatitis in two cases related to Plantago lanceolata. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2012. PMID 22309280. DOI 10.3109/15569527.2011.584232. (abstract)
Pranadwista ZF, Nur'aeny N. Effectiveness of natural-based products for radiation-induced oral mucositis therapy: A systematic review. Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2023. PMID 37209466. DOI 10.1016/j.ctarc.2023.100720. (abstract)
Samuelsen AB. The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000. PMID 10904143. (abstract)
Soltani GM, Hemati S, Sarvizadeh M, et al.. Efficacy of the plantago major L. syrup on radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020. PMID 32507421. DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102397. (abstract)
Zeng X, Guo F, Ouyang D. A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of aucubin. Fitoterapia. 2020. PMID 31790767. DOI 10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104443. (abstract)

Where to buy

Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:

The plant part and the extract type or ratio on the label
A standardized amount of the active compounds, where relevant
A third-party testing mark (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
Interactions: ask a pharmacist if you take medicines, are pregnant or have a medical condition

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.

Browse Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P.… on Amazon

Amazon · Several brands to compare

Shop Plantain Herb (Plantago major and P.… on Amazon

Support our free guides: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.