A digital illustration depicting the contrast between polluted and pristine environments for plant growth.

Is That "Healthy" Wild Plant Really Safe? The Hidden Dangers in Your Herbal Remedies

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the potential risks of trace elements in wild plants like Plantago lanceolata, and how it could impact your health."

For centuries, humans have turned to nature's bounty for sustenance and healing. Wild plants, packed with nutrients and purported medicinal properties, hold a special appeal. But in an increasingly industrialized world, are these natural remedies truly as safe as we believe? The presence of trace elements in our environment—air, water, and soil—is a growing concern, and these elements can find their way into the plants we consume.

Plantago lanceolata L., also known as ribwort plantain, is a common plant found in grasslands and along roadsides. It's widely used in herbal preparations and even as a food source in many countries. However, a recent study sheds light on a potential dark side: the accumulation of trace elements in this seemingly harmless plant.

This article explores the findings of this study, which investigated the levels of various trace elements in Plantago lanceolata samples collected from different environments—rural, suburban/urban, and industrial. We'll delve into the potential health risks, compare the results with existing literature, and provide practical advice on how to safely forage and use wild plants.

What Lurks Beneath the Surface? Understanding Trace Elements in Wild Plants

A digital illustration depicting the contrast between polluted and pristine environments for plant growth.

Trace elements, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc, are naturally present in the soil. However, human activities like mining, smelting, industrial processes, and agriculture can significantly increase their concentration. These elements can then be absorbed by plants through their roots, potentially accumulating in the leaves and other edible parts.

The study focused on measuring the concentrations of several key trace elements—Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Phosphorus (P), Lead (Pb), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn)—in Plantago lanceolata. Researchers analyzed samples from various locations to understand how environmental factors influence element accumulation. To assess the transfer of elements from the soil to the plant, scientists measure bioaccumulation and translocation factors.

Bioaccumulation Factor (BF): Indicates the plant's ability to absorb elements from the soil into its roots.
Translocation Factor (TF): Shows how efficiently the plant moves elements from its roots to its leaves.

The findings revealed that plants collected near mines and smelting plants had significantly higher concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc—up to 15 times higher than those from rural areas. Even in urban areas, lead levels were three times higher compared to rural locations, likely due to past use of leaded gasoline. These results highlight the importance of considering the environmental context when harvesting wild plants.

Making Informed Choices: Protecting Yourself from Potential Risks

While the study's findings might seem alarming, it's important to remember that not all wild plants are inherently dangerous. In many cases, the metal content in the Plantago lanceolata samples did not pose significant health risks. However, the research underscores the need for caution and informed decision-making when foraging for wild plants. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of nature's bounty while safeguarding your health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11356-018-3740-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Trace Elements In Plantago Lanceolata L., A Plant Used For Herbal And Food Preparations: New Data And Literature Review

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Giuliana Drava, Laura Cornara, Paolo Giordani, Vincenzo Minganti

Published: 2018-11-21

Everything You Need To Know

What are trace elements and why should I care about them in wild plants?

Trace elements, such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Phosphorus (P), Lead (Pb), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) are naturally found in soil but can be elevated due to human activities. These elements can accumulate in plants like Plantago lanceolata, potentially posing health risks to those who consume them. The article highlights the importance of being aware of these elements.

What is Plantago lanceolata and why is it important to consider the trace elements it contains?

Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, is a wild plant commonly used in herbal remedies and as a food source. The significance lies in the fact that it can accumulate trace elements from its environment. A study examined samples from various locations including rural, suburban/urban, and industrial settings. The findings showed that plants near industrial areas had significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and zinc compared to rural areas. This means that where the plant grows has a direct impact on its safety.

What do Bioaccumulation Factor (BF) and Translocation Factor (TF) mean in the context of this topic?

The Bioaccumulation Factor (BF) indicates the plant's ability to absorb elements from the soil into its roots. The Translocation Factor (TF) shows how efficiently the plant moves elements from its roots to its leaves. These factors are important because they help scientists understand how trace elements move within the Plantago lanceolata. Higher BF and TF values can indicate greater accumulation of elements in the edible parts of the plant. Therefore, the higher the factor the more likely the plant could pose a health risk.

How does the environment affect the amount of trace elements found in Plantago lanceolata?

The study found that the concentration of trace elements in Plantago lanceolata varied significantly based on the environment where the plant was collected. Plants near mines and smelting plants had significantly higher concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc—up to 15 times higher than those from rural areas. Even urban areas had lead levels three times higher compared to rural locations. This is likely because the levels of the trace elements are higher in these areas. This highlights the need to consider the environmental context when harvesting wild plants.

What can I do to protect myself when using wild plants?

To stay safe when using wild plants like Plantago lanceolata, it is important to consider the environment where the plant is found. Avoid collecting plants from areas near industrial sites, roadsides, or areas with known pollution. Research the area and understand the potential sources of contamination. Proper preparation techniques, such as washing or cooking, may also help reduce the levels of certain trace elements. If in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid consumption.