Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major) — Evidence-Based Food Profile | Designed Nutraceuticals
Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)
Broadleaf plantain (the common lawn weed, not the banana) is one of the most medicinally versatile wild plants. Rich in aucubin, allantoin, and mucilage, it has strong evidence for wound healing, respiratory health, anti-inflammatory effects, and gut healing. The leaves are edible and nutritious.
7
Conditions studied
9
Documented benefits
Moderate
Evidence level
Food
Classification
Key Benefits
- Aucubin -- iridoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial propertiesEstablished
- Allantoin -- promotes cell proliferation and wound healing; found in comfreyEstablished
- Mucilage -- soothes and protects mucous membranes in gut and respiratory tractEstablished
- Expectorant -- loosens and expels mucus; used for coughs, bronchitis, and asthmaEstablished
- Wound healing -- topical application reduces inflammation and speeds healingEstablished
- Antimicrobial -- inhibits Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and PseudomonasEstablished
- Prebiotic fiber (psyllium-related) -- supports gut microbiomeEstablished
- Rich in vitamin K1 -- blood clotting and bone healthEstablished
- Reduces urinary tract inflammation -- traditional use for UTIsEstablished
Relevant Conditions
Food Sources
- Young leaves raw in salads (mild flavor)
- Cooked leaves in soups and stews
- Plantain leaf tea (dried leaves)
- Plantain leaf poultice (topical wound healing)
- Plantain seed husks (similar to psyllium)
Cautions & Interactions
Avoid harvesting from treated lawns or roadsides. May interact with anticoagulants (vitamin K content). Seeds may cause choking if taken dry -- always with water. Very safe in culinary amounts.
Tags
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