Plantaginis lanceolatae folium (Plantago lanceolata L., Plantaginaceae) and Plantaginis majoris folium (P. major L.) are well known herbal drugs that have been used for treating inflammation of the mouth and throat. Chemical investigations have detected various constituents. Acteoside as phenylethanoid is a major phenolic constituent and reportedly has antiphlogistic, antihepatotoxic, antioxidant, spasmolytic, antimetastatic and antiviral activity. According to the requirement of Ph Eur Plantaginis lanceolatae folium should contain not less than 1.5% of total ortho-dihydroxycinnamic acid derivatives expressed as acteoside calculated with reference to the dried drug.
Leaves of the species P. lanceolata and P. major were collected at the different locations in Croatia and investigated in comparison with Plantaginis lanceolatae folium from commercial origin. The content of acteoside was determined spectrophotometrically according to Ph Eur and ranged from 2.28 to 7.61%. Leaves of P. lanceolata contained a larger quantity of acteoside compared to the leaves of P. major. The results of this investigation indicated that all samples meet the standards of Ph Eur. The quantity of acteoside depended on the various factors, such as plant species investigated, the type of soil, microclimatic conditions and geographic position.
