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• Plantago major seed powder, in conjunction with standard treatment, significantly decreased proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy. • The quality of life score improved significantly in the group receiving plantain seed powder as an adjuvant therapy. • This randomized controlled clinical trial suggests the potential efficacy of plantain seed powder as a complementary intervention for managing diabetic nephropathy, warranting further investigation with larger sample sizes and longer durations. Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is characterized by albuminuria and a declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetic patients. Plantago major (plantain) seed powder is traditionally used in these patients. Despite emerging and promising pre-clinical evidence, no clinical study investigated the potential efficacy of this intervention in patients with DN, which is the aim of this study. In a randomized clinical trial 60 DN patients were recruited from November 2022 to March 2023 and randomly assigned to the plantain group that received standard treatment (Losartan 25 mg twice a day) and plantain seeds' powder (10 gm sachet twice a day) plus sweet almond and the control group was received only standard treatment for 60 days. Proteinuria, as per 24-hour urinary protein, as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, serum potassium, and quality of life score were measured at baseline and after 60 days as study outcome measures. Proteinuria was significantly decreased from 165.04 mg to 135.84 mg (p = 0.026) in the plantain group. The mean level of proteinuria was significantly lower in the plantain group (135.84 vs. 192.04, p = 0.039) compared to the control group after treatment. The plantain group showed more increase in quality of life score after treatment (33.89±9.67 vs 38.28±10.72, p = 0.041). Other outcomes showed no significant difference between the two study groups. Adjuvant supplementation with plantain seeds powder may decrease proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five iridoid glucosides and five phenylethanoid glycosides were isolated from Plantago major. • Two new compounds, 10-acetylarborescoside (1) and plantainoside G (6) were elucidated. • This is the first report of phenylethanoid glycoside containing a seco -glucose moiety from natural sources. • Their inhibitory effects on NO production in BV2 cells were evaluated. Using various chromatographic separations, five iridoid glucosides (1 ― 5) and five phenylethanoid glycosides (6 ― 10) were isolated from the Plantago major whole plants and included two new compounds: 10-acetylarborescoside (1) and plantainoside G (6). Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data, HR QTOF MS data, and experimental and calculated ECD data. The isolated compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on NO overproduction in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, with IC 50 values ranging from 44.2–62.3 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago major L. which is a medicinal plant with important biological activities, commonly used as traditional medicine. Potential inhibitory activities of the aqueous extract and three isolated constituents calceorioside B (1), homoplantaginin (hispidulin-7-O-glucoside) (2) and plantamajoside (3) from the aerial parts of Plantago major subsp. major L. (Plantaginaceae) have been tested against hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase, which play critical roles in wound pathogenesis. Even though, the extract (27.04%), and among the isolated compounds, calceorioside B (41.16%) exerted significant inhibition against hyaluronidase enzyme, homoplantaginin and plantamajoside were found to be inactive. Similar results were obtained from collagenase enzyme inhibition test. The extract (21.92%) and calceorioside B (28.34%) also caused notable inhibition in this test. However, no remarkable inhibition was observed in the presence of elastase enzyme. The experimental data revealed that P. major subsp. major displayed remarkable inhibitory activity against hyaluronidase and collagenase enzymes. In vitro enzyme activity of P. major subsp. major is reported for the first time in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal benefits of Plantago major have been acknowledged around the world for hundreds of years. This plant contains a number of effective chemical constituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic acid derivatives, iridoid glycosides, fatty acids, polysaccharides and vitamins which contribute to its exerting specific therapeutic effects. Correspondingly, studies have found that Plantago major is effective as a wound healer, as well as an antiulcerative, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. It also combats fatigue and cancer, is an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. This paper provides a review of the medicinal benefits and chemical constituents of Plantago major published in journals from year 1937 to 2015 which are available from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago major (P. major) has traditionally been used in Iranian Persian medicine to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf and seed extracts of P. major in rats with acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). To this end, 49 rats were randomly divided into seven groups. UC was induced in all groups but the control (vehicle) group using a single intra-rectal administration of 2 ml of 4% acetic acid. Other groups received daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the seed extract of P. major (400 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg), the leaf extract of P. major (400 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg), and sulfasalazine (400 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days, respectively. The rats' rectum was surgically removed and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic damage. The tissue levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured using the ELISA method. The high-dose leaf extract significantly decreased ulcer index and histopathologic damage as well as the tissue levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, MPO, and MDA compared to the damage group. The low-dose leaf extract also significantly reduced the levels of some markers. The seed extract in the two used doses caused a modest decrease in the histopathological damages and ulcer index. P. major leaf extract effectively reduces inflammation and mucosal damage in rats with UC, especially when administered in high doses. P. major seed extract has minimal protective effects on UC. [Display omitted] • Plantago major leaf extract reduces mucosal damage in rats with ulcerative colitis. • Plantago major leaf extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. • The anti-inflammatory activity of Plantago major leaf extract is dose-dependent. • Plantago major seed extract has minimal protective effects in ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Environment friendly synthesis of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 magnetic nanoparticles using Plantago major extract. • High photodegradation efficiency of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 magnetic nanoparticles for removing of RB 21dye. • Recycling of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 magnetic nano photocatalyst for removing of RB 21dye. The Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized using Plantago major seed extract via an environmentally friendly, efficient, low-cost, and simple process. The nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, VSM, DRS, DLS, zeta potential analysis, and BET surface area analysis. The Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 MNPs were examined as a catalyst for photodegradation of reactive blue 21 (RB 21). The results illustrated that the MNPs were efficient for the photodegradation of RB 21. The catalyst eliminated about 92% of RB 21 after 40 min (30 mg of catalyst dosage at a concentration of 20 ppm for RB 21). The band gap of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 MNPs computed by DRS was 1 eV. The XRD analysis showed a cubic spinel structure without any impurity phases with a crystallite size of about 10 nm. The zeta potential analysis and DLS indicated some agglomerations in the solvent. The hot filtration test showed that the reaction was heterogeneous. The kinetics for photodegradation of RB 21 on Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 AlFeO 4 MNPs follow the first-order kinetics model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Leaf β-glucosidases of Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major hydrolyze aucubin. [•] In both species, the β-glucosidase activity correlates negatively to leaf age. [•] The concentration of plant glycosides also correlates to leaf age. [•] The hydrolysis of aucubin by β-glucosidases leads to complexation of proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Exposure to ozone (O3) affects both vegetative and reproductive growth in plants, although consequences for seed yield depend on the efficacy of compensatory reproductive processes. This study examined whether the limited compensatory capacity of species with determinate reproductive strategies influences seed production following exposure. The first flowering spike (Spike 1) of Plantago major L. populations which exhibit contrasting sensitivity of vegetative growth to chronic O3 exposure was exposed, while the leaves and second spike (Spike 2) received charcoal-filtered air. Exposure of Spike 1 during flowering influenced seed number capsule−1 on both spikes, even though Spike 2 was not exposed. Responses varied between populations, position on the spike and plant age at the start of exposure; the greater impact on capsules located on the upper section of the spike suggests they were more responsive. Compensatory increases in seed number capsule−1 in the middle and upper sections of Spikes 1 and 2 generally precluded significant effects on seed number spike−1; individual seed weight was largely unaffected. However, the combined seed weight of Spikes 1 and 2 was increased by 19% in the two O3-resistant populations following exposure to 120ppb O3 on 9 successive days, suggesting that they over-compensated for injury, but was reduced by 21% in the most sensitive population. Compensatory reproductive responses and their possible implications for biomass production, biodiversity and carbon sequestration in natural communities in temperate regions are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) is popularly used to treat tumors, infections and as a blood purifier. Aqueous, methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of the aerial parts (leaves and seeds) were added to CD1 mice bone marrow and spleen cultures incubated at 37°C for 72h, and also added to Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans cultures, while methanol extract dilutions were added to HTC-15, OVCAR, UISO and KB cell line cultures. Doses of 0.4 and 0.2mg/mL of aqueous and methanol extracts increased the bone marrow cell concentration by 2.70- and 3.15-fold, respectively, and increased the spleen cell concentration by 3.38- and 6.39-fold, respectively (p <0.001). Aqueous extract inhibited Bacillus subtilis growth from 78 to 21%; hexane extract inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, and methanol and chloroform extracts weakly inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, respectively. Methanol extract (1μg/mL) decreased the UISO and OVCAR cell concentrations to 59 and 82%, respectively. Data demonstrate for the first time that Plantago major has hematopoietic activity in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The antinociceptive effect of methanolic extracts (200 and 400mgkg−1) of eight Egyptian medicinal plants was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-flick test in mice. Oral administration of 400mgkg−1 methanolic extracts of Convolvulus fatmensis, Alhagi maurorum, Plantago major seeds, Conyza dioscaridis significantly (P &#60; 0.05) inhibited the nociception to acetic acid-induced writhes with a protection of 85.5–61.3%. Schouwia thebaica, Diplotaxis acris, Plantago major leaves and Mentha microphylla, in the large dose, showed a protection of 50.8–45.8%, which were significantly different as compared to control. The smaller dose of the tested plant extracts did not protect animals from painful acetic acid stimulation with the exception of Alhagi maurorum. In the tail-flick test, methanolic extracts of Mentha microphylla, Conyza dioscaridis, Alhagi maurorum, Plantago major leaves, Diplotaxis acris and Convolvulus fatmensis in a dose of 400mgkg−1 produced significant increase in the latency to response of tail to thermal stimulation. Mild or no effect was observed by the small dose with the exception of Diplotaxis acris that had significant antinociceptive effect at the dose of 200mgkg−1. The extracts of all tested plants in doses up to 2gkg−1 b.wt. did not cause any deaths or major signs of acute toxicity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates and/or glycosides as major constituents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plantago major L., a popular traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used for treating various diseases varying from cold to viral hepatitis. The aim of present study was to examine the antiviral activity of aqueous extract and pure compounds of P. major. Studies were conducted on a series of viruses, namely herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) and adenoviruses (ADV-3, ADV-8, ADV-11). The antiviral activity of EC50 was defined as the concentration achieved 50% cyto-protection against virus infection and the selectivity index (SI) was determined by the ratio of CC50 (concentration of 50% cellular cytotoxicity) to EC50. Results showed that aqueous extract of P. major possessed only a slight anti-herpes virus activity. In contrast, certain pure compounds belonging to the five different classes of chemicals found in extracts of this plant exhibited potent antiviral activity. Among them, caffeic acid exhibited the strongest activity against HSV-1 (EC50=15.3 μg/ml, SI=671), HSV-2 (EC50=87.3 μg/ml, SI=118) and ADV-3 (EC50=14.2 μg/ml, SI=727), whereas chlorogenic acid possessed the strongest anti-ADV-11 (EC50=13.3 μg/ml, SI=301) activity. The present study concludes that pure compounds of P. major, which possess antiviral activities are mainly derived from the phenolic compounds, especially caffeic acid. Its mode of action against HSV-2 and ADV-3 was found to be at multiplication stages (postinfection of HSV-1: 0–12 h; ADV-3: 0–2 h), and with SI values greater than 400, suggesting the potential use of this compound for treatment of the infection by these two viruses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evaluation of the effect of Plantago major (P. major) seed on ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 61 subjects received 3600 mg/day roasted P. major seed in intervention group (n = 31) and roasted wheat flour in control group (n = 30), for 8 weeks, as a complementary to standard medications. Variables were assessed using the Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index (LCAI) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. 51 patients completed the trial (n = 28 in Plantago and n = 23 in placebo groups). Abdominal tenderness (p = 0.011), gastroesophageal reflux and gastric pain (p = 0.049 for both), were significantly less severe in P. major group. Visible blood in stool (p = 0.001), distension (p = 0.001), and anal pain (p = 0.051), decreased significantly in P. major group, although no significant difference was observed between the two groups: (p = 0.224), (p = 0.283), and (p = 0.455) respectively. P. major seems to be effective in complementary management of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired wound healing is among the serious complications of diabetes that can lead to amputation and even death. Plantago major has been used empirically to improve wound healing. The main bioactive compounds of P. major extracts, ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA), have also been studied for their benefits with non-hyperglycemic wounds. This study was done to examine the in vivo wound healing effects of P. major leaf extracts (PMLE), UA, and OA in hyperglycemic rats, to evaluate their in vitro diabetic wound healing activity, and to observe possible dermal irritation after topical application. Wound closure, duration of epithelialization, and histopathological profiles of healed tissue were observed in the hyperglycemic rats with excision wounds for 21 days. An anti-inflammatory test using the NO inhibitory assay, a fibroblast proliferation assay, and a migration assay with high-glucose medium were done to investigate the mechanism of action of the tested samples in wound healing. The acute dermal irritation test followed the international guidelines. PMLE, UA, and OA increased the percentage of wound closure and accelerated wound healing time. PMLE activities were assessed for the inhibition of NO production in the inflammation phase and enhancement of fibroblast proliferation. UA may contribute to this wound healing process through inhibition of NO production, whereas OA through activation of migration of fibroblast cells. Topical applications of PMLE, UA, and OA did not cause acute dermal irritation. PMLE, UA, and OA have the potential to improve wound healing with diabetes conditions. [Display omitted] • P. major , ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid increased the wound closure and accelerate wound healing time. • P. major inhibited NO production and enhanced fibroblast proliferation. • Ursolic acid inhibited NO production. • Oleanolic acid activated the migration of fibroblast cells. • P. major , ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid did not cause acute dermal irritation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago major L. is used by local people to improve various wounds and lesions such as pressure ulcer. In this study, the therapeutic effects of P. major topical formulation on the stage 1 pressure ulcer in patients have been investigated. This randomized triple blind clinical trial study was performed on 130 patients. During the 14 days of study, each of the test and control groups was checked according to check list. Also the topical formulation was standardized by HPLC based on the amount of quercetin. The findings of this study indicated a significant difference in resolution of the damage between the test and control groups. Topical formulation was standardized by HPLC based on the quercetin (1.88 mg/100g) and no side effects associated with this topical formulation was found. The results confirmed the traditional use of P. major in resolution of the damage. (IRCT201609209014N117). [Display omitted] • This randomized triple blind clinical trial study was performed on 130 patients. • The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statically significant. • In final, the test and control group have a 96% and 73% improvement, respectively. • No side effects associated with P. major topical formulation were found. • Topical formulation was standardized by HPLC based on the quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Refractory asthma (RA) is characterized by poor control despite adequate treatment. Conditions like RA have led to a renewed interest in non-conventional approaches to managing asthma such as those used in Traditional Persian medicine (TPM). The aim of this trial was to test a TPM formulation including Plantago major seed and Almond gum powder for asthma. Current patients with RA received 5 g of herbal combination (2 g of Plantago major and 3 g of Almond gum powder) which was added to their conventional treatment 3 times a day for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were taken at baseline and 4 weeks including lung function testing and asthma questionnaires: the Asthma control test (ACT) and Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). 28 participants with average age of 54.7 ± 11.2 years were enrolled in the study. 4 participants withdrew from the trial due to reactions to the herbal formulation. There were increases in FEV 1 and FVC post-intervention compared to baseline (p < 0.01). The number of participants with wheezing decreased compared to baseline (p < 0.01). There were also improvements in cough, dyspnea, sleep quality and ACT. AQLQ results showed improvements in total, physical, emotional and social impact scores (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate that a combination of Plantago major seed and Almond gum is well-tolerated and potentially beneficial for patients with RA. Further research is warranted to ascertain the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of these ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of nine microsatellite loci was studied for Plantago major L. populations from radioactive (East-Ural Radioactive Trace, EURT) and chemical (Karabash Copper Smelter, KCS) contaminated areas (Urals, Russia). The absorbed dose rates in the EURT area were 178–1455 times higher than background, and the indices of the total toxic load in the KCS area were 13–42 times higher than background values. In total, 65 alleles were identified in P. major populations, while the number of alleles per locus in the EURT and KCS samples was lower than in the background samples. The expected heterozygosity in all loci significantly exceeded the observed, indicating a high level of inbreeding. The largest number of rare alleles (11–21) was found in background samples, of which 3–7 alleles were private. In the technogenically disturbed zones, 8–11 rare alleles (1–2 private) were noted. The Bayesian analysis (K = 3) showed that no unique groups were found in any of the areas; descendants of all founders (pioneers) were represented in each population, but in different proportions. However, only 4.1% of the variability was distributed between local P. major populations (F ST = 0.041) and 95.9% was concentrated within the samples. A pairwise comparison revealed genetic differentiation between all EURT samples. In the KCS area, there was no significant differentiation in pairs of samples that were at a distance of 3–4 km from each other. For samples from the KCS and background sites, the Mantel test showed a statistically significant relationship between geographical and genetic distances, therefore, the intensity of migration flows between these areas is high. For samples from the EURT and background areas, no such dependence was found. In both impact zones, P. major populations showed reduced genetic diversity. This article discusses the causes of this phenomenon. Image 1075 • Genetic polymorphism was reduced in populations from contaminated areas. • Genetic diversity is decreased due to low gene migration within the radioactive zone. • Strong chemical pollution is the reason of genetic diversity decrease. Various reasons can reduce the genetic diversity of the Plantago major populations from the man-made areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities lead to increasing concentration of the stable elements cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) and their radioactive isotopes in the food chain, where plants play an important part. Here we investigated Plantago major under the influence of long-term exposure to stable Cs and Sr. The plants were cultivated hydroponically in different concentrations of cesium sulfate (between 0.002 and 20 mM) and strontium nitrate (between 0.001 and 100 mM). Uptake of Cs and Sr into leaves was analyzed from extracts by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was increased with increasing external Cs and Sr concentrations. However, the efficiency of Cs and Sr transfer from solution to plants was higher for low external concentrations. Highest transfer factors were 6.78 for Cs and 71.13 for Sr. Accumulation of Sr was accompanied by a slight decrease of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in leaves, whereas the presence of Cs in the medium affected only uptake of K. The toxic effects of Cs and Sr were estimated from photosynthetic reactions and plant growth. In leaves, Cs and Sr affected the chlorophyll fluorescence even at their low concentrations. Low and high concentrations of both ions reduced dry weight and length of roots and leaves. The distribution of the elements between the different tissues of leaves and roots was investigated using Energy Dispersive X-Ray microanalysis (EDX) with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Overall, observations suggested differential patterns in accumulating Cs and Sr within the roots and leaves. When present in higher concentrations the amount of Cs and Sr transferred from environment to plants was sufficient to affect some physiological processes. The experimental model showed a potential for P. major to study the influence of radioactive contaminants and their removal from hotspots. Image 1 • Plantago major grown in hydroponics accumulates Cs and Sr. • Transfer factors were higher for Sr than for Cs. • Toxicity symptoms were only found at high Cs and Sr concentrations. • EDX analyses revealed variations of Cs and Sr distribution in root and leaf tissues. • Accumulation of Sr in leaves was accompanied by reduced K and Ca concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viewpoints on the applicability of the equilibrium isotherm equations in coagulation–flocculation (CF) process are presented herein to stem the tide of the misuse. The two widely used equilibrium isotherm equations (Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm equations) have been erroneously used to elucidate the CF mechanism, using plant-based coagulants, without a tenable theoretical basis. This erroneous use of equilibrium isotherm equations in CF process was based on the assumption that adsorption process is the rate determining step in the mechanism of CF process, using plant-based coagulants. This is in contrary to the fact that the rate determining step is a kinetic process, which is different from the equilibrium state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents phenological weighting factors to be applied to AOT40 (accumulated ozone exposure above a threshold of 40 nl l-1) ozone exposure-response relationships for crops at different growth stages. The quantification of such factors represents a step-forward in the derivation of Level II critical levels for ozone. The weighting factors presented are derived from published literature on the sensitivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and plantain (Plantago major) to ozone at different growth stages. Weighting functions were calculated using either multiple linear regression or the reciprocal residual mean square (RMS-1). Theresulting weights were transformed into multiplication factors to beapplied to the monthly AOT40 during the 3-month assessment period ofcritical level exceedance. Interspecific differences were too large to allow for the development of a unified weighting function for the three species considered. For wheat grain yield, the derived multiplication factors varied by almost four-fold (0.40, 1.06, 1.54), while those for bean pod yield varied by only about 25% (0.85, 1.01, 1.14). The available data for plantain were restricted to short-term studiesconducted under controlled conditions. These data were not suitable for the derivation of weighting factors comparable to those derived for bean and wheat. Based on known differences in wheat development and phenology across Europe, the need for a geographic differentiation of the time period for the calculation of the critical level exceedances is also discussed and examples provided of the adoption of the derived weightings in the mapping of critical level exceedances. Differences between critical level exceedance maps using weighted and unweighted AOT40 calculations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]