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Herbs and plants

Ribwort plantain — a weed by the fence more effective than pharmacy syrup?

Sources: 5 · Article: 8 216 characters

Henryk Różański describes ribwort plantain as a plant that soothes coughs, especially in syrups.

  • It is used for colds and inflammation of the throat and bronchi.
  • Różański attributes anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects to it, and says its constituents hinder the spread of rhinovirus infections.
  • In the past, infusions and macerations of plantain were used for respiratory diseases, and an infusion was used to gargle and rinse the mouth.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Ribwort plantain soothes coughs, especially in syrups, and is used for colds and inflammation of the throat and bronchi.

„It is officially used to treat inflammation of the throat and bronchi, colds, a runny nose caused by a viral infection, and allergies. It soothes coughs, especially in syrups, and treats throat irritation. Commission E issued a positive opinion on the use of plantain herb (monograph no. 223, dated 30 November 1985).”Oficjalnie jest używana w leczeniu zapalenia gardła i oskrzeli, przeziębienia, kataru nosa na tle infekcji wirusowej oraz alergii. Łagodzi kaszel, szczególnie w syropach; leczy podrażnienia gardła. Komisja E wydała pozytywną opinię na temat zastosowania ziela babki (monografia nr 223 z 30 XI 1985 r.).
Babka lancetowata – Plantago lanceolata L. wg współczesnych badań
Henryk Różański

The effects described for plantain include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

„Scientifically proven effects: antibacterial, locally and generally anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory (although not entirely, since it also inhibits some autoimmune processes). Plantain contains inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and protein kinase C. It inhibits the production of intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1, thereby inhibiting diapedesis (the migration of white blood cells into spaces outside blood vessels), inflammation, and some exudates.”Działanie udowodnione naukowo: przeciwbakteryjne, przeciwzapalne miejscowo i ogólnie, immunostymulujące (jednak nie do końca, bowiem hamuje równocześnie niektóre procesy autoimmunologiczne). Babka zawiera inhibitory 5-lipooksygenazy, kinazy proteinowej C, hamuje produkcję śródnabłonkowego (międzykomórkowego) czynnika adhezji komórek ICAM-1, przez co hamuje procesy diapedezy (migracji krwinek białych do przestrzeni pozanaczyniowych), stan zapalny i niektóre wysięki.
Babka lancetowata – Plantago lanceolata L. wg współczesnych badań
Henryk Różański

Plantain constituents are said to hinder the spread of rhinovirus infections.

„Plantain contains inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and protein kinase C. It inhibits the production of intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1, thereby inhibiting diapedesis (the migration of white blood cells into spaces outside blood vessels), inflammation, and some exudates. By inhibiting ICAM-1 production, plantain constituents hinder the spread of rhinovirus infections. Plantain may also inhibit allergic symptoms in this way, for example those associated with hay fever.”Babka zawiera inhibitory 5-lipooksygenazy, kinazy proteinowej C, hamuje produkcję śródnabłonkowego (międzykomórkowego) czynnika adhezji komórek ICAM-1, przez co hamuje procesy diapedezy (migracji krwinek białych do przestrzeni pozanaczyniowych), stan zapalny i niektóre wysięki. Poprzez hamowanie produkcji ICAM-1 – składniki babki utrudniają szerzenie się infekcji rhinowirusowych. Babka może również w ten sposób hamować objawy alergiczne, np. w przebiegu pyłkowicy.
Babka lancetowata – Plantago lanceolata L. wg współczesnych badań
Henryk Różański

In the past, infusions and macerations of plantain were used for respiratory diseases, and an infusion was used to gargle and rinse the mouth during inflammation.

„Water-based preparations were given for all kinds of respiratory diseases, chronic catarrh and phlegm in the lungs, chronic digestive problems, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, bladder weakness, and also malaria. An infusion was made with distilled water from fresh or dried leaves, or a maceration was made from fresh leaves; these were then used to rinse the eyes and to apply eye compresses during inflammation. Infusions and macerations of plantain were applied to the skin after injuries, and to wounds and burns. Hair was rinsed with the infusion or maceration to treat hair loss, brittleness, and dandruff. An infusion was used to gargle and rinse the mouth during inflammation.”Przetwory wodne podawano przy wszelkich chorobach układu oddechowego, przeciw zadawnionym nieżytom i zaflegmieniom płuc, przewlekłym zaburzeniom w trawieniu, nieżycie żołądka i jelit, przy słabości pęcherza, ponadto przy zimnicy. Na wodzie destylowanej przyrządzano napar z liści suchych lub świeżych, albo macerat z liści świeżych, które następnie używano do przepłukiwania oczu i do okładów na oczy przy stanach zapalnych. Naparem i maceratem z babki okładano skórę po urazach, na rany i oparzenia. W naparze i maceracie płukano włosy przy łysieniu, łamliwości i łupieżu. Naparem płukano gardło i jamę ustną przy stanach zapalnych.
Plantago lanceolata Linne – Babka lancetowata w XIX wieku
Henryk Różański

An old account described plantain as useful for phlegm in the lungs.

„Matthiolus (1501–1577) described plantain as a remedy helpful in treating gout, diseases of the bladder and kidneys, asthma, epilepsy, wounds that are slow to heal, and ulcers. Osiander described plantain's pain-relieving properties. Friedrich (1845) demonstrated the usefulness of plantain for phlegm in the lungs, as well as for inflammation of the stomach and urinary tract, chlorosis, and bleeding gums.”Matthiolus (1501-1577) opisał babkę jako środek pomocny w leczeniu podagry, chorób pęcherza moczowego, nerek, astmy, padaczki, trudno gojących sie ran i owrzodzeń. Osiander opisał właściwości przeciwbólowe babki. Friedrich (1845 r.) wykazał przydatność babki przy zaflegmieniu płuc, ponadto przy nieżycie żołądka i dróg moczowych, blednicy, krwawieniu z dziąseł.
Plantago lanceolata Linne – Babka lancetowata w XIX wieku

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 15.

In a study, Plantago major syrup reduced cough severity and several cough symptoms more than a placebo after 10 days.

Aim of the study: Treatment for acute bronchitis is usually supportive care to relieve upper respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Plantago major syrup (PMS) on cough severity in acute bronchitis.

Results: Of the 121 patients diagnosed with acute bronchitis, 80 eligible patients (aged 42.87±11.75 years) were randomly divided into PMS and placebo groups. After 10 days, the BSS score in the PMS group was significantly lower than in the placebo group (P=0.001). Cough frequency (P=0.001), sputum production (P=0.005), and chest wall pain (P=0.008) were significantly lower in the PMS group than in the placebo group. In terms of quality of life, all items, including psychological, physical, and social domains, as well as total scores, changed significantly in the PMS group compared with the placebo group. During monitoring of side effects, no significant adverse effects were reported in either group. The study indicates that PMS has a palliative effect in relieving the symptoms of acute bronchitis and improving quality of life.

Effect of Plantago major on cough severity in acute bronchitis: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. · Caspian J Intern Med 2024
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Babol University of Medical Sciences
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants80

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

The review describes clinical studies in which the use of Plantago major was associated with reduced coughing and wheezing and improvements in some respiratory measures.

Aim of the study: Herbal medicines have been proposed as adjuvant treatment for respiratory diseases. One such agent is Plantago major (P.

Results: In clinical studies, a significant reduction in cough and wheezing, increases in FEV1 and FVC in patients with asthma, a rapid effect on the signs and symptoms of bronchitis, and antiviral effects were observed. Despite in vitro and animal studies, there are few clinical studies on the respiratory effects of P. major in humans. Therefore, further clinical studies should be designed to identify the respiratory effects of the plant and its derivatives.

The therapeutic effects of Plantago major and its main constituents on respiratory diseases: a narrative review. · Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2025
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In children, a combination syrup containing Plantago major extract was associated with less severe and shorter-lasting cough than a placebo.

Aim of the study: Acute cough in children often causes discomfort to children and parents, reducing their quality of life. Despite the extensive use of over-the-counter remedies for cough, the efficacy of most of these treatments in children has not been confirmed.

Results: Children were given KalobaTUSS® or a placebo orally for 8 days. Children receiving KalobaTUSS® showed an early and significant reduction in night-time and daytime cough scores measured using a specific scale, and a shorter duration of cough than children treated with the placebo. KalobaTUSS® is well tolerated and has positive effects, reducing cough severity and shortening its duration in children.

Efficacy and safety of the syrup "KalobaTUSS®" as a treatment for cough in children: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. · BMC Pediatr 2021
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants106

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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