Does plantain help with inflammation? Exploring the fruit and the medicinal herb

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

For centuries, the common garden plantain weed (Plantago major) has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflamed skin and internal ailments. In a nutritional context, the banana-like plantain fruit also possesses compounds that can help reduce inflammation. This article explores the unique anti-inflammatory properties of both species, clarifying their distinct roles in promoting health.

Quick Summary

Both the plantain fruit and the medicinal plantain weed contain compounds with anti-inflammatory potential, but their mechanisms and applications differ. The fruit offers nutrients that combat systemic inflammation, while the weed provides powerful bioactive compounds for targeted traditional remedies.

Key Points

Two Types of 'Plantain': The edible, banana-like fruit and the medicinal, broadleaf garden weed (Plantago major) both offer anti-inflammatory benefits through different mechanisms and for different purposes.
Plantain Fruit for Systemic Health: The fruit provides anti-inflammatory benefits via powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and is a rich source of magnesium and potassium.
Resistant Starch Supports Gut Health: Unripe (green) plantains contain high levels of resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to promote a healthy gut microbiome, and a healthy gut is key to reducing systemic inflammation.
Plantain Weed for Targeted Remedies: The medicinal plantain weed is rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and aucubin, which have been traditionally used to reduce localized inflammation, particularly for skin issues.
Traditional vs. Modern Application: The weed is typically used topically or as a tea in herbal medicine, while the fruit is a culinary staple that supports general anti-inflammatory dietary goals.
Preliminary Evidence: While traditional use and laboratory studies show promise for both, the scientific evidence for their anti-inflammatory properties is still considered preliminary, and human trials are limited.

Understanding the Tale of Two Plantains: The Fruit vs. The Weed

It is crucial to first distinguish between the two plants referred to as “plantain.” One is the starchy, banana-like fruit (Musa species) popular in tropical and Caribbean cuisines, while the other is a common, broadleaf garden weed (Plantago major or broadleaf plantain) used in herbal medicine. Both plants have evidence supporting their anti-inflammatory properties, but they are unrelated and offer different benefits through distinct mechanisms. We will explore each in turn to shed light on their potential.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Plantain Fruit

As a nutritional powerhouse, the plantain fruit offers several components that contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly when consumed as part of a balanced diet. These benefits are mainly due to its antioxidant and fiber content.

Key Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients in Plantain Fruit

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps protect the body's cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can trigger and sustain chronic inflammation. A single cup of plantains provides a significant portion of the daily recommended amount of this vital nutrient.
Vitamin A: Containing notably higher levels of Vitamin A than bananas, plantains are a good source of this fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A is critical for cellular health and plays a role in regulating the immune system's inflammatory responses.
Magnesium and Potassium: Both plantains and bananas are rich in these minerals, which are involved in many bodily functions, including regulating blood pressure and helping control inflammation. Magnesium, in particular, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Resistant Starch: Green (unripe) plantains are an excellent source of resistant starch, a type of fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. This prebiotic effect promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is closely linked to reducing systemic inflammation. As plantains ripen, this resistant starch converts to sugar, but other nutrients remain beneficial.

Medicinal Plantain Weed: A Traditional Anti-Inflammatory

The common garden weed, broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), has a long history of use in traditional and herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves are particularly rich in bioactive compounds that work to soothe inflammation, both internally and externally.

Bioactive Compounds in Plantain Weed

Flavonoids: These powerful antioxidants are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways. Research has confirmed that flavonoid compounds in plantain weed extracts contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Iridoid Glycosides: Compounds like aucubin are found in plantain weed and are thought to contribute to its healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: With their astringent properties, tannins help constrict body tissues and can aid in reducing swelling and inflammation.
Mucilage: The seeds of plantain weed are rich in mucilage, a soluble fiber similar to psyllium, which can have a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and aid with digestive issues.

How Medicinal Plantain Weed is Used for Inflammation

Historically, plantain weed has been utilized in several ways:

Topically: Crushed leaves or ointments made from them have been applied directly to skin irritations, insect bites, and minor cuts to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Internally: Teas or decoctions from the leaves were used for internal inflammation, particularly for conditions affecting the respiratory and digestive tracts. Some studies suggest it can help with inflammatory bowel disease symptoms due to its effects on the gut.

Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

To help clarify the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the anti-inflammatory characteristics of the plantain fruit and the plantain weed:


Feature	Plantain Fruit	Plantain Weed
Primary Anti-Inflammatory Compounds	Vitamins A & C, Magnesium, Resistant Starch	Flavonoids, Iridoid Glycosides (aucubin), Tannins, Mucilage
Best for Systemic Inflammation	Yes, through antioxidant defense and promoting gut health	Historically used for internal inflammation, though strong human evidence is limited
Best for Topical Inflammation	Not applicable; primarily a food source	Yes, used as poultices for skin irritations, bites, and wounds
Primary Use	Culinary staple in many cuisines	Herbal medicine; not a culinary fruit
Key Supporting Evidence	Nutritional content, effects of resistant starch on gut health	Traditional use, animal and lab studies showing reduced inflammatory markers

How to Incorporate Plantain into an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Incorporating plantain into your diet for its health benefits is relatively simple, but it is important to know which “plantain” you are using and for what purpose.

For the plantain fruit, consider these options:

Green Plantains: Rich in resistant starch, green plantains can be boiled or baked in savory dishes. They can be prepared like potatoes, adding a prebiotic boost to your meals.
Ripe Plantains: Sweeter and softer, ripe plantains can be fried (as maduros) or baked. While they have less resistant starch, they are still a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Plantain Chips: A baked, rather than fried, version of plantain chips can make a healthier snack option.

For the medicinal plantain weed, it is crucial to source it carefully from uncontaminated areas and consult a healthcare professional. Options include:

Herbal Tea: An infusion of the leaves can be made to help with digestive or respiratory irritation.
Topical Poultice: Fresh, crushed leaves can be applied directly to minor skin irritations, bites, or cuts.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Plantain and Inflammation

So, does plantain help with inflammation? The answer is a qualified yes, but it depends on which plantain you're asking about. Both the edible fruit and the medicinal weed possess properties that can aid in the body's fight against inflammation, though their uses and mechanisms are distinct. The plantain fruit provides a nutritious source of antioxidants and gut-supporting resistant starch, making it a valuable addition to an overall anti-inflammatory diet. The medicinal plantain weed, in contrast, is an herbal remedy with a long history of traditional use for both topical and internal inflammation, supported by promising, though still preliminary, laboratory studies.

For general health and systemic benefits, incorporating the nutrient-rich plantain fruit is a great dietary choice. For specific issues, especially skin-related ones, consulting a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider about the proper use of the medicinal plantain weed is advised. As with any natural remedy, more high-quality human studies are needed to fully understand and confirm the extent of the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Explore more about the science of inflammation at the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The plantain fruit is anti-inflammatory due to its rich content of antioxidants like vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like magnesium. Unripe green plantains are particularly beneficial as they contain resistant starch, which promotes gut health and helps reduce systemic inflammation.

Plantain fruit (Musa species) is a starchy, banana-like fruit used in cooking, while plantain weed (Plantago major) is a broadleaf herb used in traditional and herbal medicine. They are not related but both possess anti-inflammatory properties, though through different mechanisms and compounds.

Resistant starch, found abundantly in green plantains, acts as a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. This process supports a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn helps to protect against inflammation.

Yes, plantain weed has a long history of traditional use for soothing inflamed skin. The fresh, crushed leaves can be used as a poultice and applied directly to minor skin irritations, insect bites, and small wounds to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Both types of plantain contain anti-inflammatory compounds. The plantain fruit is high in vitamins A and C and magnesium, while the plantain weed contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, iridoid glycosides (aucubin), and tannins.

Scientific research, including lab studies and animal models, has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects for both the fruit and the weed. However, much of the evidence is preliminary, and more high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits.

While generally considered safe, especially when consumed as food, high doses or supplements of the medicinal plantain weed can cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, and ensure you are using the correct plant.