A Hypothesis on the Possible Potential of Plantago Major in the Treatment of Urticaria

Abstract

Background:Urticaria is a skin disease characterized by pruritic edematous lesions also called wheals. Although these lesions are self-limited they may result in lowered quality of life index. By far, the most recognized mechanisms that trigger the progression of this condition are hypersensitivity reactions. As an herbal therapy, Plantago major has been named in several references of Persian traditional medicine with effective properties in ameliorating urticarial symptoms. In this study we aimed to investigate whether Plantago major has the potential to be used clinically in treatment of urticaria according to the current knowledge about the plant effects.Materials and Methods:A combination of “Plantago major” and other terms related to urticarial therapy such as “mast cell”, “anti-inflammatory”, “prostaglandin”, “histamine” and “IgE” that may have possible role in progression or suppression of urticaria was searched in Google Scholar and PubMed as the reference databases.Results:Eleven articles discussing either the direct role of Plantago major or any of its constituents in urticarial related bimolecular pathways were selected.Conclusion:Review of the selected articles indicated that Plantago major can effectively suppress many of hypersensitivity reactions which are also contributors in the pathophysiology of urticaria development. Further clinical trials are needed to prove the efficacy of this herbal treatment.

Medicinal Plants of the Flora of Kazakhstan Used in the Treatment of Skin Diseases

“…The combination of polysaccharides with enzymes and vitamins promotes regeneration. Plantain is also used in cosmetic dermatology to treat acne scars [275][276][277].…”

Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects

“…The properties of P. major leaves are dependent on the different compounds present. The leaves are rich in different bioactive molecules, such as aucubin, a glycoside with antitoxin activity, and ursolic, oleanolic, and α-linoleic acids, which inhibit COX-2-catalyzed prostaglandin production [142][143][144]. Extracts of P. major leaves have remarkable antioxidant and antiradical capacities due to the presence of baicalein, lutolin, salicylic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, apigenin, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acids [145,146].…”

Experimental study of the effect of Plantago major leaves extract on contaminated excisional wound healing in rabbits

“…There were reported to have analgesic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antifungal, anticancer effects (16). The therapeutic effect f of P. major in treatments of acute urticarial in patient was studied (18), While Ghanadian et al (19) describe the well efficiency role of using 10% P. major leaves extract in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and pressure ulcer (19). In addition, it was used in Malaysia country as therapeutic drug for diuretic, tonic, and coughing (20) and to treat urinary calculus (21) and diabetes (22).…”