Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae) pode ser utilizado como agente antimicrobiano para emprego em produtos para uso oral

Plantago major L. has been widely used in the treatment of wounds and coughs due to its anti-inflammatory, healing and antimicrobial potential, according to popular indications. Aim at the use of this plant in the formulation of oral products, the objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of P. major extracts, in vitro. Ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared with dry aerial parts of the plant, which were submitted to phytochemical screening and analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and of a commercial tincture was performed by agar diffusion. Phytochemical screening showed presence of phenolic substances, cumarines and triterpenes, in addition to a low concentration of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts. The bands observed in TLC did not demonstrate 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, a chemical marker, however the number of substances classes found and the presence of a probable 5-O-caffoylquinic acid derivative are consistent with P. major specimens. In agar diffusion test, the extracts and tincture were not able to inhibit the bacterial growth, however its anti-inflammatory activity should not be discarded due to the substances found and its synergic application with others antimicrobial agents to developing of oral use products.