Plantago species, such as Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata, have a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including eye infections and irritations. Ethnobotanical records from Europe, Asia, and the Americas document the use of Plantago leaf infusions or poultices applied to the eyes to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and assist in the healing of minor eye infections such as conjunctivitis. The rationale in traditional systems is often attributed to Plantago’s reputed anti-inflammatory, soothing, and astringent properties.

The active constituents believed to contribute to these effects include aucubin, flavonoids, and mucilage, which may help reduce local inflammation and create a protective barrier. However, robust scientific clinical evidence specifically supporting the use of Plantago for eye infections is limited. Most modern pharmacological studies focus on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in general, with in vitro (test tube) evidence showing Plantago extracts can inhibit the growth of some bacteria and reduce inflammation. Nevertheless, there are no high-quality human clinical trials confirming its efficacy or safety for treating eye infections. As such, its use for this purpose is best characterized as rooted in tradition, with some plausible supportive mechanisms but lacking strong scientific validation.