Résumé
Numerous Plantago species (plantains) are worldwide distributed. Several of them, i.e., Plantago afra L., P. arenaria Waldst. & Kit., P. asiatica L., P. lanceolata L., P. major L. and P. ovata Forssk. are well-known as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant and immunomodulatory natural resources [1]. Indeed, they are used in traditional medicines and consigned in various Pharmacopoeias as intestinal transit regulators, insect bites, skin or eye irritation, for wound healing property, in cough treatment as well as to relieve pain or to act on inflammatory symptoms in several chronic diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic bronchitis). Seeds of several species sold as Ispaghul and Psyllium produce mucilage which explains both traditional and current uses as natural laxative agent based on changes in the intestinal resorption of lipids and sugars [2-4]. Leaves of Plantago species produce iridoids, phenolic compounds and cinnamic acid derivatives with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [5-7]. In the present work [8-14], we evaluate and discuss on clinical efficacy of Plantago species uses to prevent or treat human affections related with digestive system comparing various experimental approaches (in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials).