Plantago ovata
Plantago ovata, commonly known as broadleaf plantain, is a versatile medicinal herb cherished for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for its high mucilage content, it is widely used to soothe digestive inflammation and support gut health. Its cooling, anti-inflammatory effects also make it excellent for treating skin irritations and wounds.
- Scientific name: Plantago ovata
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Plantago ovata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Lamiales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Plantaginaceae and the genus Plantago.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Plantaginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Plantago | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several different regions. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within Germany. Its range extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically throughout Spain. Additionally, it is well-established across Northern Africa in Algeria. Finally, the species is also documented in the North African nations of Libya and Egypt.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
Chemicals
Plantago ovata has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include psyllium, 2,6-diaminopimelic acid, Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid, LB4.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| psyllium | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 2,6-diaminopimelic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LB4 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NO | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Psyllium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arabinose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| butyrate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Plantago ovata has 12 reported activities identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Laxative, Anticancer, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antisecretory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcerogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Demulcent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Plantago ovata has 24 reported medicinal uses identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, laxative, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 24
- Scientific sources
- 36
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| constipation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| irritable bowel syndrome | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| laxative | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcerative colitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LDL cholesterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Type 2 Diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| angina pectoris | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| blood glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |