Evidence supporting the use of: Buckthorn Plantain
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

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

Buckthorn Plantain (Plantago afra), also known as Plantago psyllium or psyllium, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, primarily for digestive health. However, in some traditional systems, Plantago species (notably Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata) have been applied externally to support wound healing and treat minor skin infections, owing to their purported anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. While most references to "buckthorn" relate to a separate genus (Rhamnus), "buckthorn plantain" is sometimes used synonymously with psyllium or other Plantago species.

Traditional European herbalism and some folk medicine practices have used Plantago leaves as poultices for skin irritations, minor wounds, and infections, believing the mucilage content helps soothe and protect the skin, while purported antimicrobial compounds aid in healing. However, there is minimal direct ethnobotanical documentation specific to Plantago afra/psyllium seeds being used topically for skin infections; most traditions focus on the leaves of related Plantago species.

Scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some laboratory studies on extracts from Plantago species suggest mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical evidence in humans is lacking, and most research does not focus on Plantago afra or its seeds. Therefore, use of buckthorn plantain for supporting skin infections is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with only low-level evidence supporting its efficacy.

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