Plantain (Plantago major, also known as common or English plantain) has been traditionally used in various folk and herbal medicine systems for its purported wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. References to its use can be found in traditional European herbalism, where plantain leaves were applied topically or used as poultices on wounds, sores, and inflamed skin. For anorectal conditions such as anal fissures and fistulas, traditional remedies sometimes include topical application of plantain extracts or ointments, intended to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort.

The rationale for such use stems primarily from anecdotal and empirical observations, as well as the plant’s known content of bioactive compounds such as allantoin, aucubin, and mucilage, which are believed to contribute to wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. However, while there is some in vitro and animal research suggesting these properties may promote tissue repair, there is little to no direct scientific evidence from controlled clinical trials supporting plantain’s efficacy specifically for anal fissures or fistulas in humans. Thus, its use for these conditions is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific validation.