Buckthorn Plantain (Plantago afra or related Plantago species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. In some folk medicine systems, plantain seeds or leaves have been used as a general "detoxifying" agent, sometimes recommended for various types of poisoning, especially in cases of digestive disturbances from ingesting irritating substances. This use is primarily based on the plant's mucilaginous seeds, which can swell and absorb fluids, thereby potentially binding to and diluting irritants or toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. This "mechanical" binding and soothing action is similar to the traditional use of psyllium (from Plantago ovata) for cases of mild digestive upset or as a bulk laxative. However, there is little direct historical documentation specifically focusing on plantain as a treatment for acute poisoning, and traditional uses are typically limited to mild cases or as a supportive measure, not as a primary treatment for serious poisoning.

There is no substantial modern scientific evidence supporting the use of Buckthorn Plantain for treating poisoning. Its traditional use for this purpose is largely anecdotal and not supported by clinical trials or pharmacological studies. Therefore, while there is some traditional precedent for its use in this context, the evidence is weak, and it should not be relied upon for serious poisoning cases without medical supervision.