The Effect of Ecological and Edaphic Factors on Active Ingredients of Plantago major L

Plantago major L.  is one of the most important medicinal plants used in traditional medicine worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ecological and edaphic factors on the active ingredients of this plant. For this purpose, the Plantago major was collected from different regions of Mazandaran province, namely Shorab, Pain Kola, and Panbeh Zar Koti. Phenol and flavonoid levels from acidic methanol extract of plant samples were calculated using standard curve of Gallic acid and Quercetin, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the samples were investigated by three methods of DPPH, Nitric oxide and Reducing power. Our results showed that all of the Plantago major not only have a total phenol, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity but also they have a biological activity of the extract depends on its phenol and flavonoid content. On the other hand, the antioxidant function of Plantago major species is affected by weather conditions as well as habitat characteristics and edaphic factors. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that the identification of the potential of the Plantago major extract and selection of optimal phenological habitat and phases is essential and enables the extraction of effective ingredients in the applied of the products and the ability to enhance the medicinal yield of the plants.