Ishabgula
Plantago ovata
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.
| Botanical name | Plantago ovata |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3189723 · Wikidata Q311228 · NCBI Taxonomy 185002 |
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 husk) contain mucilage, fixed oil, and 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 (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, 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 for GI mucosal protection
- With Ajwain for digestive comfort
- With Draksha for mild laxative action
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses4
- 2018. Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsThe American journal of clinical nutrition. PMID 30239559 · doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy115
- 2018. Efficacy and safety of laxatives for chronic constipation in long-term care settings: A systematic reviewJournal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. PMID 29885259 · doi:10.1111/jcpt.12721
- 2015. Systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine treatments in inflammatory bowel diseasesJournal of Crohn's & colitis. PMID 25518050 · doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jju007
- 2013. Iranian medicinal plants for diabetes mellitus: a systematic reviewPakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. PMID 24498803 · doi:10.3923/pjbs.2013.401.411
Randomised controlled trials3
- 2007. Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart diseaseThe American journal of clinical nutrition. PMID 17413119 · doi:10.1093/ajcn/85.4.1157
- 2006. Bulk agent Plantago ovata after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with LigasurePhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 16708408 · doi:10.1002/ptr.1926
- 1994. Digestibility and bulking effect of ispaghula husks in healthy humansGut. PMID 7829013 · doi:10.1136/gut.35.12.1747
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2020. Prebiotics and Probiotics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Where are we now and where are we going?Current clinical pharmacology. PMID 32164516 · doi:10.2174/1574884715666200312100237
- 2017. PLANTAGO OVATA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CULTIVATION, BIOCHEMICAL, PHARMACEUTICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTSActa poloniae pharmaceutica. PMID 29513942
- 2012. Drug interactions with the dietary fiber Plantago ovata huskExpert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology. PMID 22920146 · doi:10.1517/17425255.2012.716038
- 2003. Psyllium fibre and the metabolic control of obese children and adolescentsJournal of physiology and biochemistry. PMID 15000455 · doi:10.1007/BF03179920
- 1994. Psyllium hypersensitivityAnnals of allergy. PMID 7998662
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