Faculty of Pharmacy

Pharmacognosy Department
Medicinal Plants (PHG111/PG101)
Treatment of constipation
Plantago ovata

Presented by:
Kermina Elkomos Wissa Azmy Fanous.
ID: 211129
Presented to:
Dr. Heba Ahmed Hassan
 1. Introduction
Constipation:
Constipation is a prevalent health problem that affects people of all ages. It might
indicate that you're not producing stools on a regular basis or that you're unable to
completely empty your bowel. Constipation can also induce hard and lumpy stools,
as well as stools that are excessively big or little. Constipation intensity varies from
person to person. Many people only have constipation for a brief period of time,
but for others, it can be a long-term (chronic) problem that causes severe pain and
suffering and has an impact on their quality of life.
Constipation treatment
The first step of therapy for constipation is typically dietary and lifestyle
modifications. This involves gradually increasing your daily fiber consumption,
drinking plenty of water, and attempting to get more activity. If these don't work,
your doctor may prescribe an oral laxative to help you clear your intestines.
Constipation treatment is successful, albeit it may take many months in some cases
to reestablish a regular bowel pattern. Making the aforementioned lifestyle and
dietary changes can also help to reduce your risk of constipation in the first place.
Allowing yourself enough time and solitude to pass stools comfortably may also be
beneficial, and you should resist the impulse to go to the bathroom.
2. Origin:
It is the Seeds or seed coats (husks) of Plantago ovata, family plantaginaceae .
ُّ َ‫ بِ ْز ُر الق‬or ‫لسان الحمل‬.
The Arabic name of plantago seed (= psyllium seed) ‫طونة‬
3. Picture of the plant organ:

Figure 1. Plantago ovata seeds

Figure 2. Psyllium (Plantago ovata) husk powder.

4. Geographical distribution:
It is a medicinal plant natively in the Mediterranean region that has become
naturalized in central, eastern, and southern Asia, as well as North America. Seeds
of Plantago ovate are cultivated in Southern Europe, West Pakistan and North
Africa.
5. Morphology (description) of Plantago ovata seed:
Psyllium plants may grow up to 15 cm tall and are coated with fuzzy, white hair
that grows at right angles to the stems and leaves. The leaves are basal, narrowly
linear, and green. The leaves produce spikes of miniature flowers, which develop
into seedpods. The seeds are tiny (1.5–2 cm), brown or reddish-brown, and brown
or reddish-brown. This plant's seeds contain a lot of mucilage and albuminous
substances. The seed is dried and crushed before being winnowed to extract the
husk.
6. Active constituents of Plantago ovata seed:
Plantago seeds contain 10-30% hydrocolloid in the outer seed coat, which may be
divided into acidic and neutral polysaccharides and hydrolyzed to produce L-
arabinose, D-galactose, D-galacturonic acid, L-rhamnose, and D-xylose.
7. Uses of Plantago ovata seed:
Plantago psyllium has been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) issues include IBS,
hemorrhoids, constipation, and diarrhea. It has also been used to treat
hyperlipidemia, has anticancer characteristics, and may be useful for glycemic
management in type 2 diabetic patients. Although there is some clinical evidence
to support the use of plantago in constipation, respiratory infections, and
hyperlipidemia, there is minimal clinical evidence for other potential uses.
9. Mode of action of Plantago ovata seed:
Psyllium seeds contain fiber, which when mixed with water forms a gel-like
substance that functions as a mild laxative. This gel-like substance then passes
through a patient's digestive tract, softening stools by increasing their water
content. Psyllium seed also lubricates the gut, which assists in stool transit.
Furthermore, because the gel-like substance increases the volume of the stool, it
increases tension and/or stretch stimulation in the intestinal wall, which serves to
induce bowel movements.
Psyllium husk dietary fiber is digested to varying degrees by bacteria in the colon,
resulting in the generation of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, water, and short
chain fatty acids, all of which are absorbed and transferred into the hepatic
circulation. In humans, such fiber enters the large intestine highly polymerized and
only partly fermented, resulting in increased fecal content and short chain fatty
acid excretion.
10. Side effects of Plantago ovata seed:
When taken orally, blond psyllium is probably safe for most individuals as long as
they drink lots of water. For every 3-5 grams of husk or 7 grams of seed, drink at
least 8 ounces of liquids. It has the potential to induce gas, stomach discomfort,
diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Begin with a lesser dose and gradually raise it
to lessen the likelihood of negative effects. When consumed without adequate
fluids, blond psyllium is likely to be dangerous. It has the potential to induce
choking or to obstruct the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Blond psyllium mucilage in
eyedrops is likely safe for most persons when administered to the eye. When used
on the skin: There is insufficient credible evidence to determine whether blond
psyllium is safe or what the adverse effects may be.
11. Pictures of the pharmaceutical preparation of the seed:

Figure 3. Different pharmaceutical preparations of the Plantago ovata seed.

References:
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