Plantago lanceolata

Ribwort plantain

Plantaago lanceolata, commonly known as narrowleaf plantain, is a resilient perennial herb found globally in disturbed soils. Renowned for its medicinal properties, this plant contains bioactive compounds that offer anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits. Traditionally used to treat skin irritations and respiratory issues, it remains a staple in herbalism.

  • Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is uniquely positioned in the family Plantaginaeae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Plantago, where it is known as Plantago lanceolata.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Plantago WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Plantago lanceolata, is recognized by several common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 长叶车前 (zh-hans), 长叶车前 (zh-cn), and 长叶车前 (zh-sg), while in Traditional Chinese, it is known as 長葉車前 (zh-hant) and 長葉車前 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 长叶车前 Wikidata
zh-hant 長葉車前 Wikidata
zh-hk 長葉車前 Wikidata
zh-cn 长叶车前 Wikidata
zh-sg 长叶车前 Wikidata
zh-tw 長葉車前草 Wikidata
wa Plantrinne ås stroetès foyes Wikidata
pl babka lancetowata Wikidata
eu Ezpata-plantain Wikidata
qu Qallu-qallu Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence is noted in the Faroe Islands, which are locally known as Føroyar. The species also inhabits the landscape of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the island of Iceland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Plantago lanceolata, is a perennial herb characterized by its distinct structural features used in various traditional remedies. The most prominent part of the species is the long, narrow leaves that grow in a basal rosette, often featuring parallel veins that extend to the tip of each leaf. Once the plant matures, it produces slender flowering stalks that eventually yield small, brown seeds which are vital for the plant's reproduction. While the foliage is the primary component used for medicinal purposes, the roots also play a structural role in anchoring the plant firmly into the soil.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
8
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 3 ★★☆☆☆
seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
herb 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Plantago lanceolata has 40 reported phytochemicals identified across 62 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include acteoside, aucubin, plantamajoside, catalpol, Cu.

Total chemicals
40
Scientific sources
62

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
acteoside 8 ★★★★☆
aucubin 6 ★★★☆☆
plantamajoside 5 ★★★☆☆
catalpol 4 ★★☆☆☆
Cu 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Mn 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Pb 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxybenzoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Acteoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Plantago lanceolata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Plantago lanceolata has 17 reported medicinal uses identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include pollinosis, abiotic stress, aflatoxin, arthritis, breast cancer.

Total uses
17
Scientific sources
18

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
pollinosis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
abiotic stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aflatoxin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chronic pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
common cold 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆