Evidence supporting the use of: Great Plantain
For the body system: Gums

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Great Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for its purported benefits in oral health, including gum support. Folk remedies in Europe, Asia, and North America have used the leaves of plantain as poultices, mouthwashes, or infusions to soothe inflamed or bleeding gums and to promote wound healing in the mouth. The traditional use is largely attributed to plantain’s content of mucilage, tannins, and iridoid glycosides, which are thought to have soothing, astringent, and anti-inflammatory effects on mucous membranes.

While there are a few laboratory studies that indicate Plantago major extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, direct scientific evidence—such as clinical trials—specifically evaluating its efficacy in supporting gum health or treating periodontal disease in humans is lacking. Most of the available evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional practices rather than rigorous, controlled studies. Therefore, although its use for supporting gum health is rooted in traditional herbalism, scientific validation remains limited.

In summary, Great Plantain is traditionally used to support the gums, largely based on its general anti-inflammatory and wound-healing reputation, but the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence for this specific use is low.

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