Plantago ovata Forseek

Family : Plantaginaceae



Synonym(s) : Plantago ispaghula, Plantago decumbens


English Name : Isphagul seeds, Psyllium



Origin : Mediterranean region, including Northern Africa and Pakistan.



Description

A stemless or sub-caulescent soft, hairy annual. Leaves are narrowly linear or filiform, entire or distantly toothed; flowers are in cylindrical or ovoid spikes; capsules are ellipsoid, 8 mm. long, obtuse, the upper half coming off as a blunt conical lid, membranous, glabrous; seeds are ovoid-oblong, 3 mm long boat-shaped, smooth, yellowish brown.



Habitat

Dry open places.



Parts Used : Seed, husk and fruit



Herb Effects

Anticholesterolemic, demulcent, laxative, emollient.


Active Ingredients

Aucubin, fructose, linoleic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, tyrosine, xylose (seed); tannin (plant).



Medicinal Use

In the treatment of dysentery, catarrhal conditions of the genito-urinary tract, inflamed membranes of the intestinal canal etc.A decoction of seeds is prescribed in cough and cold, and the crushed seeds made into a poultice are applied to rheumatic and glandular swelling.



Dosage

The seed husk:0.5-2.0 g.
Regular dosage of 5-7 grams of pure psyllium is preferred. Ample intake of liquid should be accompanied the dose (125-150 ml/5gm).
Seed: 5–10 g, three to four times daily. Presoak seeds in 100–150 ml of warm water for several hours. Follow each dose by drinking at least another 200 ml of water.



Contraindication

Stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Difficulties in regulating diabetes mellitus.



Reference

1. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, et al. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:466-473.
2. Bliss DZ, Jung HJ, Savik K, et al. Supplementation with dietary fiber improves fecal incontinence. Nurs Res 2001;50:203-213. Voderholzer et al., Am J Gastroenterol, 1997 92(1), 95.