ISAPGOL

SYNONYMS:  Ispaghula, Spongel seeds, Isapgul, Indian psyllium, etc.

BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: Isapgol consists of the dried seeds Plantago indica (Plantago ovata) belonging to the family plantaginaceae.

MACROSCOPICAL CHARACTERS: Size: 1-3.5mm length and 1-1.75mm width shape: ovate and boat shaped with a dorsal or convex surface and a ventral or concave surface. Dorsal surface  dull, opaque, pinkish grey, there is a small elongated reddish brown spot in the centre. Ventral surface: a deep furrow may be seen. Hilum is covered by thin membrane appears as a red spot in the centre. Odour: none. Taste: mucilaginous.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: The isapgol husk and seeds contain mucilage and is usually present at the epidermis of the seed. Chemically, it contains pentosan and aldobionic acid. The products of hydrolysis are xylose, arabinose, galactouronic acid and rhamnose. Fixed oils and proteins are the other important constituents .Fixed oil includes linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, lignoceric acid. The amino acids reported in the seeds are valine, alanine, glycine, cystine, leucine etc...

THERAPEUTICAL USES:  The seeds and husks are used as demulcent, bulk laxative, emollient, Used in the treatment of chronic constipation and amoebic and bacillary dysentery., Used in the treatment of chronic diarrhoeas ,in the case of duodenum ulcers and in piles,.  Stabilizer in ice cream industry.