Pharmacological and Biochemical activities of plantago major L

Throughout human history, natural remedies have been sought to treat diseases. The therapeutic wounds of plants are accepted worldwide as a result of many studies and research. Medicinal plants have started to be used in the pharmaceutical sector due to the chemical compounds contained in their structures. One of the potential plants that can be used in traditional medicine is the broadleaf plantain, white man's footprint, waybread, or greater plantain. Scientifically known as Plantago major, it is a wild plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family that can reach a height of about 15 cm. Plantago major leaves have been used for centuries almost everywhere in the world as a wound healer and in the treatment of many diseases other than wound healing. Among them are treatments for skin, respiratory organs, digestive organs, reproduction, circulatory diseases, infections, and cancer. It is also used as a decongestant and analgesic. Plantago major contains biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides, lipids, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. Alkaloids and some organic acids have also been detected. There are several biological activities from plant extracts, including wound healing activity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immune modulating, and antiulcerogenic activity. The widespread use of Plantago species in food and traditional medicine has attracted the attention of researchers looking for active principles and mechanisms of action. However, more studies are needed to better prove the medical applications, phytochemical properties, and pharmacological properties of this breed.