Botanical Profile
Ribwort plantain is one of the best-known European wild and medicinal plants. The leaves, Plantaginis lanceolatae folium, are used primarily.
Plantago lanceolata L. forms a basal rosette of narrow lanceolate leaves with clearly prominent longitudinal veins. Leafless stalks bear cylindrical flower spikes with small flowers and conspicuous stamens. The species grows in meadows, pastures, roadsides and embankments and is distributed in Europe and western and central Asia. Today it is naturalised throughout temperate regions worldwide.
Phytochemistry
Ribwort plantain contains mucilage, iridoid glycosides such as aucubin and catalpol, phenylethanoid glycosides such as acteoside or verbascoside, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. The combination of iridoids, mucilage and phenolic compounds makes the plant phytochemically diverse. Site, climate, harvest time and processing influence the quantitative composition.
Traditional Uses
Ribwort plantain has been described since antiquity and appears regularly in European herbals. EMA/HMPC, WHO, ESCOP and the European Pharmacopoeia list Plantaginis lanceolatae folium as a traditional herbal drug. The plant is firmly established in numerous regional herbal traditions of Europe.
Current Research
Research focuses on aucubin, catalpol, acteoside, mucilage and quality control. Further studies investigate populations, wild stands, cultivated stocks, chemical variability within the genus Plantago and ecological adaptability.
Sources
- EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Plantago lanceolata L., folium.
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Plantaginis lanceolatae folium.
- ESCOP Monographs – Plantaginis lanceolatae folium.
- European Pharmacopoeia: Plantaginis lanceolatae folium.
- Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Spitzwegerich.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.