Capsule
Isabgol
Latin name: Plantago Ovata
Family: Plantaginaceae
Common name: Isabgol
English name: Psyllium Husk
Habitat: This Persian herb is found
all over north -west India, Punjab and Sind.
Macroscopic identification: it is a herb
with distinct leaves 3-6 inches long. Fruit
is ovoid and seeds taper at ends
Parts used: Husk
Pharmacological action: cooling, laxative,
demulcent, expectorant, emollient and astringent
Actions and uses in ayurveda: vatpittta
shamak, mridu virechak
Indications: Chronic constipation,
Colitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Urethritis, Cystitis,
Ulcers, Gastritis, disturbed lipid profile,
Irritable bowel syndrome
Photochemical: Psyllium stalks contain
tiny seeds, also called Psyllium, covered by
husks, which are the parts used in foods. Psyllium's
total dietary content -- 86 percent -- is made
up of 71 percent soluble fiber and 15 percent
insoluble fiber. This compares to 15 percent
total fiber and only five percent soluble fiber
for oat bran. The soluble fiber in one tablespoon
of Psyllium is equal to 14 tablespoons of oat
bran. It has a significant property of absorbing
water and form a bulk mucilage. Its action is
purely mechanical and its efficiency is entirely
due to the large quantity of mucilage present
in the husks
Properties and action:
Rasa: madhura
Guna: snigdh, guru, pichhil
Virya: sita
Vipaka: madhura
Karma: vatakapha hara, balya, rasayana,
vajikarna.
Preparations: powder
Therapeutic classification index:
- Cardiovascular system: It helps to
reduce the risk of heart attack by decreasing
serum cholesterol through proper excretion
of bile acids.
- Respiratory system: it is also used
as an expectorant
- Digestive system: A natural remedy
for constipation regulates bowel functions.
A bulk forming laxative. Biological experiments
have proved that the mucilage of husk forms
a coating over the surface of ulcers thereby
protecting the injured mucosa from irritating
products of gastrointestinal digestion. Isabgol
seeds are used in catarrh, chronic dysentery,
intestinal fluxes, and diarrhea.
- Genito- urinary system: it is used
in affections of bladder, urethra and kidney.
Dose: powder: 5-10 gms
Capsule Isabgol contains pure and concentrated
Isabgol
Dosage: one capsule a day.
Package 60 capsules
References:
- Prof P.V Sharma, Dravya Guna Vigyana,
Vol II, pg 414-417
- Dr.KM Nadkarni, The Indian Materia Medica,
Vol.I, pg 980-986
- Glossary Of Indian Medicinal Plants by
R.N Chopra, S.L.Nayar, I.C Chopra pg 196
