Bioactive Metabolites from Aerial Parts of Plantago indica L.: Structural Elucidation and Integrated In Vitro/In Vivo Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Efficacy

Bacanak H., Doğan Z., Akkol E. K., Nagatsu A., Saracoglu I.

PLANTS, vol.15, no.1, pp.1-23, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/plants15010141
  • Journal Name: PLANTS
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), BIOSIS, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-23
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae) is widely distributed worldwide. The Plantago species

are used in traditional medicine as wound healers, anti-inflammatory agents, antipyretics,

and analgesics. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition from the

aerial parts of Plantago indica L. and to evaluate its biological activities. Isolation studies

and in vitro investigations were conducted on an aqueous phase of 80% EtOH extract

of Plantago indica. In addition, in vivo studies were carried out using the MeOH, 80%

EtOH, and water extracts. Plantarenaloside (1), 3-oxo-α-ionol β-glucoside (2), martynoside

(3), acteoside (4), feruloyl gardoside (5), and ursolic acid (6) were isolated from the

extract. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR and

ESI-MS analyses. The extract, fractions, and pure compounds were tested in vitro for

cytotoxicity (MTT), anti-inflammatory activity (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α production), wound

healing (scratch test), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, SO). Feruloyl gardoside

(20.11–58.27%) significantly reduced NO levels at concentrations of 25–100 μM. It significantly

reduced IL-6 levels (40.17%) at 100 μM. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory

(acetic acid-induced vascular permeability) and wound healing (incision and excision models)

effects of the extracts were investigated. The findings suggest that P. indica may be considered

to be a potential therapeutic option for managing inflammation and for promoting

wound healing.