Plantain Extract is composed of polyphenolic compounds (e.g., verminin ≥8% by concentration), which have general utility in dermocosmetic treatment due to anti-inflammatory properties. Double-blind clinical trial in n = 150 subjects confirmed 72% reduction in erythematous area after treatment for 8 weeks with 5% gel of Plantain Extract in mild eczema (SCORAD score 4-10). Itch score decreased from 6.8 to 2.1 (69% decrease) (Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2021). The extract increased TEWL (transdermal water loss) of Skin repair by 34%, and increased barrier function greater than 1% hydrocortisone (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022).
In respiratory well-being, the mucus control by Plantain Extract is significant. Clinical trials (sample size =220 cases) indicated that in the treatment of acute bronchitis with syrup 300mg standard extract, frequency of cough was decreased from 23 to 9 times/day (decreased by 61%), viscosity score of sputum on VAS scale decreased from 7.5 to 3.2. The response rate was 1.8 days sooner than placebo (Phytomedicine, 2020). The mechanism of action is related to inhibition of TNF-α (IC50=53μg/mL) and IL-6 (inhibition rate 68%).
In the gastrointestinal system, Plantain Extract relieves constipation through dietary fiber (35:65 soluble to insoluble fiber ratio).
Clinical trials showed that daily intake of 15g of Plantain Extract powder with 12% beta-glucan for 28 days reduced intestinal transport time from 68 hours to 38 hours (44% reduction). The number of bowel movements was elevated to 5.2 per week (baseline 2.3) (American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2023). Its anti-ulcer effect was established using a rat model of gastric ulcer and resulted in 81% reduction in ulcer area and healing 21% sooner than omeprazole (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022).
For agricultural use, Plantain Extract’s saponins (≥5% concentrations) are lethal to 89% of aphids and red spiders (mortality, 72-hour exposure) and non-toxic to beneficial insects such as bees. In field trials on organic farms, 200 times diluted Plantain spray increased tomato yield by 19% and reduced pesticide residues to 1/20 of the EU standard (0.01ppm) (Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2021). Its market size as a biopesticide, as per Mordor Intelligence, is expanding at 12% year over year and will reach $420 million by the year 2025.
In veterinary medicine, Plantain Extract (10mg/kg body weight) reduced the rate of intestinal parasite infection (tapeworms and nematodes) in dogs and cats by 92%, and also cured intestinal mucosal injury caused by diarrhea (78% villus high recovery rate). It has been confirmed through research that after 4 weeks of uninterrupted consumption of pet food with 0.5% Plantain, stool hardness score (Bristol scale) was enhanced from 6.5 to 3.2, and itching occurrences were decreased by 67% (Veterinary Sciences, 2022).
According to Grand View Research, the global Plantain Extract industry will have a compound growth of 9.8% and reach a value of $310 million by 2030. Its various applications (ORAC antioxidant activity =4,200 μmol TE/g), minimal allergy rate (0.03% patient allergy) and environmentally friendly supply (500kg hay per mu production, extraction ratio of 12%) are spurring inter-industry demand, especially natural care products with penetrability over 38% (traditional chemical equivalents merely 17%).