Plantain (Plantago spp.), especially Plantago major, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including those in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Historically, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive complaints such as dyspepsia (indigestion), gastritis, and ulcers. The leaves and seeds of plantain contain mucilage, iridoid glycosides (e.g., aucubin), and tannins, which are believed to have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild astringent properties. These constituents may provide a demulcent effect, coating the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and thereby alleviating irritation and discomfort associated with dyspepsia.

While plantain's use for dyspepsia is primarily rooted in tradition, a few small pharmacological studies and preclinical investigations suggest potential gastroprotective effects, including anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities in the gut. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically for dyspepsia are lacking. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys. Thus, while there is a plausible basis for its soothing properties and its traditional use for digestive complaints, scientific validation is limited.

In summary, plantain's use for dyspepsia is supported mainly by traditional knowledge, with a modest level of evidence (2/5) based on limited experimental data and a lack of strong clinical trials.