PLANTAGO MAJOR LEAF EXTRACT - NexTrac™ PLANTAIN L LC

Introduction to Plantago major Extract

Plantago major (plantain) is a popular medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It belongs to the genus Plantago and the family Plantaginaceae. The plant occurs in diverse habitats, including wetlands in lowland, coastal, and upland areas.

In Vietnamese traditional medicine, plantain is commonly used to help manage conditions such as chronic constipation, digestive disorders, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids, as well as to relieve symptoms associated with kidney and bladder conditions.

Alongside its traditional uses, modern medical research has reported promising findings for Plantago major L., including wound-healing support, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, anti-ulcer activity, blood glucose-lowering effects, and potential antiviral activity [1].

The leaves, seeds, and roots of P. major contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, including fatty acids—particularly in the seeds and leaves—alkaloids, polysaccharides, lipids, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids [1].

Published literature indicates that Plantago major L., a species within the genus Plantago and family Plantaginaceae, is commonly cultivated in Vietnam and is sometimes consumed as a supplementary vegetable in daily meals. Plantain is also traditionally combined with corn silk and boiled in water to prepare a drink used to support urinary tract health.

What Is Plantago major Extract?

NexTrac™ PLANTAIN L LC – Plantain Extract is an ingredient extracted from the leaves of Plantago major, developed for use in cosmetic skin care formulations.

• INCI Name: Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol 400, Butyleneglycol, Aqua, 1,2-Hexanediol, Plantago Major Leaf Extract.
• Usage Level: 1.0–5.0%.

Benefits of Plantain Extract in Cosmetics

Antioxidant Activity

Plantain (Plantago major) leaves contain polyphenols that help neutralize free radicals, thereby helping limit the effects of environmental factors that contribute to premature skin aging. Certain flavonoids, including plantaginin, baicalein, and hispidulin, have also been reported to act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers [2].

Anti-inflammatory Activity

P. major leaf extract may help reduce inflammation by acting on enzymes involved in inflammatory responses, such as COX-1 and 12-LOX. The ingredient helps soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, burning sensations, swelling, and warmth. Some cell-based studies have also reported effects on NF-κB, contributing to the reduction of inflammatory responses [3].

Support for Wound Healing

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, P. major extract may support skin recovery following minor damage, such as small scratches or irritation. The leaf extract may help promote granulation tissue formation and support cell proliferation and migration, which are important steps in skin regeneration and wound healing [3].

Cosmetic Applications of Plantain Extract

Plantain extract (NexTrac™ PLANTAIN L LC) can be incorporated into a wide range of skin care products, particularly formulations designed to be gentle and support daily skin care.

The ingredient can be used in moisturizing creams, serums, lotions, body washes, facial cleansers, skin care gels, facial masks, and other products.

References

[1] Huong, D. T. V., Giang, P. M., Hoang, D. H., Phuong, N. A., & Trung, T. A. (2021). Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Plantago major L. in Vietnam. Asian Journal of Chemistry, 33(2), 314–318.

[2] Najafian, Y., et al. (2018). Plantago major L.: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Biomedical Reports, 9(3), 170–178.

[3] Zubair, M., Ekholm, A., Nybom, H., Renvert, S., Widen, C., & Rumpunen, K. (2012). Effects of Plantago major L. leaf extracts on oral epithelial cells in a scratch assay. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 141(3), 825–830.