Faculty of Sciences and Technology, MeditBio, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Ed. 8, Faro, Portugal
Abstract
Plantago is a genus comprising more than 200 plant
species used extensively all over the world as functional foods and
remedies for a wide range of diseases. This review summarizes the
traditional uses, bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities of
this genus. The medicinal value
of Plantago species in part reflects the gel nature of the
polysaccharides extracted from their seeds, which are not only
therapeutic, but can also be used for drug delivery and toxin removal.
Phytochemical studies have shown that Plantago species also produce
other important bioactive compounds such as phenylpropanoid glycosides,
iridoids, triterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Bioactive extracts
and isolated compounds can therefore be developed as therapeutic
formulations. Some traditional uses of these plants
have been pharmacologically validated by identifying specific bioactive
molecules, although the mechanisms of action remain unclear. The
Plantago genus is also a promising source of novel bioactive molecules
and multifunctional polysaccharides because only a few species have been
investigated comprehensively thus far. © 2016 .
Author keywords
Bioactive compounds; Keywords; Plantago; Polysaccharides; Secondary metabolites; Traditional medicine
Indexed keywords
Engineering controlled terms: Metabolites; Molecules; Polysaccharides
Bioactive compounds; Bioactive molecules; Isolated
compounds; Keywords; Pharmacological activity; Phenylpropanoid
glycosides; Plantago; Secondary metabolites
Engineering main heading: Seed
Species Index: Plantaginaceae; Plantago
