The medicinal potential of plants from the genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae)

• Some traditional uses of Plantago plants have been pharmacologically validated.
• Bioactive molecules present in these plants may explain their beneficial effects.
• Research has mainly focused on species that are recurrent in traditional medicine.
• This genus is still a promising source of novel bioactive molecules.

Plantago is a genus comprising more than 200 plant species used extensively all over the world as functional foods and remedies for a wide range of diseases. This review summarizes the traditional uses, bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities of this genus. The medicinal value of Plantago species in part reflects the gel nature of the polysaccharides extracted from their seeds, which are not only therapeutic, but can also be used for drug delivery and toxin removal. Phytochemical studies have shown that Plantago species also produce other important bioactive compounds such as phenylpropanoid glycosides, iridoids, triterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Bioactive extracts and isolated compounds can therefore be developed as therapeutic formulations. Some traditional uses of these plants have been pharmacologically validated by identifying specific bioactive molecules, although the mechanisms of action remain unclear. The Plantago genus is also a promising source of novel bioactive molecules and multifunctional polysaccharides because only a few species have been investigated comprehensively thus far.