# Ishabgula

> Ishabgula (Plantago ovata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Mucilage is not systemically absorbed (acts locally). Seed oil fraction contains linoleic acid and oleic acid with good absorption. Protein and mineral components are partially digested and absorbed.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Plantago ovata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ishabgula |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Seed powder, Churna (powder), Capsule, Decoction

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10g seed powder with adequate water; 3-6g seed decoction

**Bioavailability:** Ishabgula (whole Plantago ovata seeds, distinct from [Isabgol](/herb/isabgol/) husk) contain [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage), fixed oil, and [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins). Mucilage is not systemically absorbed (acts locally). Seed oil fraction contains linoleic acid and oleic acid with good absorption. Protein and mineral components are partially digested and absorbed. [Aucubin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#aucubin) (iridoid glycoside) in seeds has moderate oral bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals or 30 minutes before meals with a full glass of water

**Standardized Extract:** Whole seed powder (pharmacopoeial grade); cold-pressed seed oil for lipid fraction applications

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (whole seeds); 2 years (powder); 1 year (seed oil)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture. Whole seeds more stable than powder. Oil must be stored in dark, sealed containers under nitrogen.

**Marker Compounds:** Mucilage [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides), Aucubin, Planteose, Linoleic acid (in seed oil fraction)

### Extraction Methods

- Mechanical milling (whole seed powder)
- Cold pressing (seed oil extraction)
- Aqueous soaking for mucilage extraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction for aucubin-enriched fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for GI mucosal protection
- With [Ajwain](/herb/ajwain/) for digestive comfort
- With [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) for mild [laxative](/reference/laxative/) action

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/ishabgula/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.