English common plantain, broad-leaved plantain Botanical name Plantago major L. Pharmaceutical name Plantaginis majoris folium Part dried leaves Mandarin chē qían zĭ (车前子) is the seeds of P. asiatica L., P. depressa Wild., or P. major DC. Family Plantaginaceae
A perennial herb, up to 15 cm tall, with a basal rosette of oval leaves 15-30 cm in diameter. Leaves are oval, with acute apex and 5-9 conspicuous veins. Flowers are greenish yellow with pale purple anthers on long spikes. Native to Europe, it has been spread by man throughout the world, including America and New Zealand. Common on roadsides and in meadows.
Temperature cool Tastes sour-astringent, bitter Organs IN , LU, BL
West The leaves of P. lanceolata (ribwort plantain) are used in the West for similar indications as the leaves of P. major.
China The seeds of P. asiatica (chē chían zĭ) or the entire plant is used in China (see below).
Traditional use in China
chē chían zĭ, the seeds of P. asiatica, is classified as cold and sweet, and as entering the Bladder, Kidney, Liver, and Lung meridians. It is used to2:
• promote urination and to treat painful urination from Damp Heat
• clear Heat from Liver channel to treat red painful eyes
• clear Lung Phlegm Heat for cough with much yellow sputum
chē chían căo, the entire plant of P. asiatica, is said to be less effective than the seeds in promoting urination, but to be better for clearing Heat, and for stopping bleeding and diarrhea.
Traditional use in the West
Culpeper (1651)3
Lung for consumption of the lung (tuberculosis), ulcers of the lung, and coughs that come from heat
Intestines for all problems or ulcerations of the intestines or bowels; to reduce bleeding
Urinary system for obstructions of the kidneys or edema; for foul or bloody urine by reason of ulcer in kidney or bladder
Head and eyes used topically for pains of the head coming from heat, and to cool inflammations of the eyes
Topical for bleeding wounds, burns and scalds, skin rashes and itching, ulcers that are hard to heal, hot gout, genital sores, and hemorrhoid pain
Christopher (1976)1 Topical the best healer of blood poisoning, when used both internally and externally
Comparison with a similar herb
Polygonum and Plantago Similarities Both herbs are astringent, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic, and they are specific for diarrhea with bleeding. Differences Polygonum bistorta has greater traditional use as an anticatarrhal, for clearing mucus from the bronchii and intestines, and for clearing discharge from the urogenital system.
Plantago major
• may be more cooling and more appropriate for respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urinary disorders with sensations of heat • may be a stronger antimicrobial • may be more strongly spasmolytic • is more specific for gastritis and gastric ulcer
Constituents and pharmacology
Types of constituents
• iridoid glycosides mainly aucubin (0-1.3% in leaves)4
• phenylethanoids (caffeic acid derivatives) mainly plantamajoside and, in some subspecies, acteoside 4.
Respiratory disorders The traditional Western use of P. lanceolata (but not yet of P. major) for respiratory disorders has been supported by recent clinical studies9. One study on patients with acute bronchitis and post-infectious dry cough, reported that the equivalent of about 7 g of 1:1 fluid extract of P. lanceolata per day reduced cough frequency and intensity, cough-related chest pain, dry cough, and purulent sputum, and that it improved expectoration10.
Actions linked to a constituent
• antimicrobial aucubin has been reported to have both antibacterial and antiviral effects9
• spasmolytic aucubin and catalpol (iridoid glycosides), acteoside (phenylethanoid)9
• immunomodulatory PMII (polysaccharide)7
Dose and dispensing: internal
Dried herb 2-4 g of dried herb, as powder or as infusion, three times per day (BHP)11.
Tincture 2-4 ml of 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol, three times per day (BHP).
Initial dose Can start at the standard dose (JR).
Duration Can be used long term (JR).
Dose and dispensing: topical
Bruised fresh leaves applied as a poultice to the affected part, and the poultice replaced every hour (Christopher). An infusion can be taken internally at the same time.
Cautions
General contraindications None reported for P. major (BSH)12 or for P. lanceolata (ESCOP)9.
Chinese contraindications P. asiatica seeds are contraindicated in pregnancy, and are to be used with caution in patients with exhausted Yang Qi or with spermatorrhea from Deficient Kidney or from exhaustion due to overwork (Bensky)2.
Pregnancy and lactation No adverse effects reported for P. major (BSH) or for P. lanceolata (ESCOP).
Side effects None reported for P. major (BSH) or for P. lanceolata (ESCOP).
Overdose No incidents reported for P. major (BSH) or for P. lanceolata (ESCOP).
Drug interactions None reported for P. lanceolata (ESCOP).
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