Ribwort Plantain Extract
Plantago lanceolata belongs to the Platanaceae family. The common names of Plantago lanceolata are ribwort plantain and narrow leaf plantain. The hairy stems of the plant grow from long, thin, spear-shaped leaves, forming a rosette at the base. The small white flowers grow from a stubby brown inflorescence on a leafless stem.
Medicinal Usage
Plantago lanceolata is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, antiasthmatic and healing properties. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Plantago lanceolata and Plantago altissima extracts are examined using several assays with different reagents in a study. Although strong effects are observed for both plants, Plantago lanceolata demonstrated superior bio-potential. (1) Nowadays, ribwort plantain extract is mainly used to treat upper respiratory tract, mouth and throat disorders. Ribwort plantain extract is recommended to treat mild chronic irritative cough in children. (2) The European Commission approved using ribwort plantain extract to treat both the common cold and bronchitis-associated cold. In conclusion, ribwort plantain is anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and immunostimulatory, and these properties make ribwort plantain extract beneficial for respiratory diseases.
Chemistry Behind
The chemical constituents responsible for ribwort plantain’s pharmacological effects are iridoids, iridoid glycosides, polyphenols, mainly Galangin, flavonoids, polysaccharides and triterpene acids. Mucilage polysaccharides form a polysaccharide layer on the upper airway mouse because of their adhesive properties and help suppress cough by influencing cough receptors’ sensitivity. (3)
References
- Ivana N. Beara, Marija M. Lesjak, Dejan Z. Orčić, Nataša Đ. Simin, Dragana D. Četojević-Simin, Biljana N. Božin, Neda M. Mimica-Dukić, Comparative analysis of phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of two closely-related Plantain species: Plantago altissima L. and Plantago lanceolata L., LWT – Food Science and Technology, Volume 47, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 64-70, ISSN 0023-6438
- Wegener T, Kraft K. Der Spitzwegerich (Plantago lanceolata L.): Reizlinderung bei Infektionen der oberen Atemwege [Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.): anti-inflammatory action in upper respiratory tract infections]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):211-6. German. PMID: 10483683.
- Wegener T, Kraft K. Der Spitzwegerich (Plantago lanceolata L.): Reizlinderung bei Infektionen der oberen Atemwege [Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.): anti-inflammatory action in upper respiratory tract infections]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):211-6. German. PMID: 10483683.