Plantago ovata

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Plantaginaceae
Genus : Plantago
Species : Plantago ovata
Scientific Name : Plantago ovata

Common Names: Desert Indianwheat, Desert Plantain, Blonde Psyllium, Indian Plantago, Isabgol

General Information :

The flowers are on short, rounded, terminal flower spikes. The individual flowers have 4 round-ovate lobes and 4 stamens. The leaves are green, basal, and narrowly linear in shape. The plants are covered in fuzzy, white hair at right angles to the stems and leaves. Habitat Desert, Upland. This plant grows in dry, sunny, open areas.

Uses of Plantago ovata

High cholesterol : Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent with generally modest reductions seen in blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol"). Effects have been observed following eight weeks of regular use. Psyllium does not appear to have significant effects on high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol") or triglyceride levels. Because only small reductions have been observed, people with high cholesterol should discuss the use of more potent agents with their healthcare provider. Effects have been observed in adults and children, although long-term safety in children is not established.

Constipation : Psyllium has long been used as a chief ingredient in "bulk laxatives." Generally, an increase in stool weight, an increase in bowel movements per day, and a decrease in total gut transit time has been observed in most studies.

Diarrhea : Psyllium has been studied for the treatment of diarrhea, particularly in patients undergoing tube feeding. It has also been studied in addition to orlistat therapy in hopes of decreasing gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea and oily discharge) of this weight loss agent. An effective stool bulking effect has generally been found in scientific studies.
Anal fissures (tears or cracks in the anus) : Psyllium may help to prevent or relieve anal fissures, which can result from constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. However, further research is necessary before psyllium can be recommended.

Colon cancer : According to early research, diets that include psyllium may reduce the risk for colon cancer. More studies are needed to determine whether psyllium can help prevent colon cancer.

Colonoscopy preparation : Patients with new onset constipation or presumed hemorrhoid bleeding frequently require the use of both fiber supplements and diagnostic colonoscopy. Researchers have concluded that in non-constipated patients, psyllium-based fiber supplementation should not be initiated in the few days prior to endoscopy using a polyethylene glycol preparation. Instructions given by the appropriate healthcare professional and pharmacist should be followed when preparing for colonoscopy

Fat excretion in stool :Early research shows that dietary psyllium and chitosan supplementation may help to increase the excretion of fat in the stool.

Gas (flatulence) : Early research suggests that diets high in fiber (such as psyllium) will increase gas production, yet promote gas retention. The effect of psyllium on gas needs to be explored further.

Hemorrhoids : Psyllium may reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids, which can result from constipation. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help relieve or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) : Several studies have examined the administration of psyllium with meals or just prior to meals in order to measure effects on blood sugar levels. Better evidence is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Induction of labor/abortion (cervical dilator) : An early study examined whether a preparation made from psyllium could help dilate the cervix when labor or abortion is induced. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help to open the cervix.

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) : There is limited and unclear evidence regarding the use of psyllium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome : Psyllium preparations have been studied for more than 20 years in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Results of these trials have been conflicting. In some cases, insoluble fiber may worsen the clinical outcome.

Obesity : The reviewed evidence seems to show that psyllium may improve blood sugar and lipid levels, which can be related to obesity in some children. However, further studies are needed to clarify its effects and the mechanisms involved. Body weight reduction has not been proven to be associated with psyllium use in adults.