Pharmacological Activities of Ribwort Plantain and its Key Constituents: a Review

Ribwort plantain has shown considerable pharmacological properties that are related to its wide-range secondary metabolites. The present review is aimed to highlight the recent progress on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer and wound healing effects of acteoside, aucubin, catalpol, apigenin and luteolin as significant metabolites from this plant. Functional evidences support their role in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of pathogen attack, wound healing, prevention of tumorigenesis and neuroprotection via anti-apoptotic pathways and blocking pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. By virtue of these actions, the plant is warranted as a candidate for treating several diseases. The bioactivity in these locations is maximized by the action of synergy occurring between constituents in the phytochemical matrix. Mechanistic studies reveal multi-target action such as enzyme inhibition, gene expression control and receptor modulation. Although preclinical evidences indicate the high polypharmacological potential of this plant, full-scale clinical translation will require more phytochemical standardization and human studies. The present work highlights the integrative therapeutic relevance of broadleaf plantain and its metabolites in the treatment of multifactorial diseases.