Natural Collagen Stimulants - Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata
Lise
Today, we’re going to get up close and personal with what are generally considered common weeds - hated and cursed by many (Western) homeowners. They are native to Asia, Europe and America and prolific around the globe - from the chilly North to tropical regions.
Yes, we’re talking about weeds, but I believe after reading this post you may just agree they deserve a little love and a lot more front and center attention in the skincare world.
Plantago major is a veritable powerhouse of goodies with Plantago lanceolata coming in a close second – and not just for skin care. Because of their chemical makeup, they have all sorts of beneficial properties with both external and internal use. This might be why they have both been used for various health issues for ages. Science has also been taking an increasingly closer look and documentation of the benefits of these weeds is becoming more and more plentiful.
Are you ready to meet ’The Plantagos’?
Common Names
Broadleaf plantain (also Common plantain and Greater plantain) is a common sight in grassy areas. Its botanical name (and correct identifier) is Plantago major.
Narrowleaf plantain (also Ribwort plantain and English plantain) is an equally common sight in grassy areas. Its botanical name (and correct identifier) is Plantago Lanceolata.
You may well spot both of the plantagos growing within the same area which could be the local park, a grassy field or your garden lawn.
I’ve only been working with ‘the plantagos’ since around 2011, so I am still learning about their many beneficial properties. Here is a quick overview of some of the components and what they do.
Plantago Major Components
Alkaloids: several medical uses
Caffeic Acid: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Flavinoids: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents
Terpenoids: antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Iridoid glycosides: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents
Fatty Acids: seeds contain palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids
Chlorogenic acid: antiviral
Polyphenols : antioxidant - wound healing
Polysaccharides: antibacterial, immuno enhancing, soothing and moisturizing
Plantago Lanceolata Components
Phenylethanoids: antioxidants with antimicrobial properties (useful for wound healing)
Iridoids: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents
Flavinoids: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents
Tannins: anti-sceptic and astringent
Polysaccharides: immuno enhancing, soothing and moisturizing
Allantion: antioxidant ref
Saponins: anti-fungal ref
Additionally: calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, copper, and zinc and vitamins A, C, and K.
Collagen Stimulating Properties
Reading this, you have to wonder why the plantagos haven’t become front and center ingredients in skin care products. They show a healthy amount of wound healing activity.
Let’s look at what that means.
Collagen has an important role in wound healing. ref ref
With increased collagen production, the skin shows:
increased thickness
speedier healing process
increased elasticity
In short, anything with collagen-stimulating properties not only aids wound healing, but benefits the skin in additional ways. ref
So the plantagos have powerhouse properties for maintaining optimal, youthful-looking, healthy skin.
And science has been busy testing this:
A 2018 test (on mice) showed plantar lanceolata helped speed wound healing and suggested a 10% concentration might be “a useful strategy for wound healing” ref
A 2012 study (on rats) showed less scarring at the wound site as well as less inflammatory cells ref
There is also a history of use as an aid to various skin disorders ref
Reasons to Get Excited
What so many view as nothing more than a common weed – something to be dug up and discarded – is in fact a treasure trove of active ingredients – right at hand and free for the picking.
This is exactly why I never tire of learning about the power of plants. Studying, working with, and using botanicals continues to amaze and delight.
It’s just a question of learning how to recognize and use them – a question of connecting the dots.
Other Topical Uses of Plantago
applied as a poultice, the fresh leaves help relieve itch from insect bites
an infusion misted over small cuts and grazes stops stinging
applied as a poultice (with an infusion), cracked skin is soothed
in an ointment, it helps relieve diaper rash and hemorrhoids
as an eyewash, it helps fight conjunctivitis
Skincare Products
To date I have used extracts of different types in my skincare products - some purchased and some handcrafted. Oil-infusion gives the most amazing green color and skin soothing experience. I have yet to try making a glycerite - but have plans of obtaining fresh leaves/plants and giving it a go as soon as weather permits this year. This particular project has been on my to do list for a few years now, but THIS year I really do want to get busy with a fresh plantago glycerite.
Doing Your Own Extract?
You might want to focus on ethanol as your main solvent.
Anti-inflammatory comparative study - extracts in methanol and ethanol vs water showed ethanol and methanol to be superior to water - although water-based extracts also showed results. ref ref
Learn More About the Power of Plants
Visit medical herbalist Vivienne Campbell at the Herbal Hub for inspirational and in-depth instruction.
Do Tell
Have you ever used or heard of this plant before? How have you used it?
More about Plantago lanceolata
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research - Plantago lanceolata for wound healing (on rats)
Healing potential applied topically on wounds (in burros)
Anti-inflammatory activity (in Mice)
Effects on wound healing in Mice
More About Plantago major
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities with aqueous extract
Chemical constituents Plantago major
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of plantago major
Therapeutic uses and pharmacological properties
Chemical constituents of broadleaf plantain
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