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Psyllium (from Plantago ovata; ispaghula) is used as a dietary supplement and is supplied in the form of husk, granules, capsules, or powder. Consumers using psyllium-containing laxatives, healthcare workers handling these, and pharmaceutical workers in laxative-manufacturing plants are known to be at risk of sensitization and subsequent rhinitis, asthma, contact urticaria, and even anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, the case we present here is the first of baker's immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated occupational allergy due to psyllium exposure. Our patient, a 24-year-old female baker with no previous allergies, was referred to our clinic with suspected occupational rhinitis. After 1 year of baking with cereal flour or gluten-free flour-mix, she began to suffer from rhino-conjunctival symptoms during workdays. Skin prick tests with agents from the patient's workplace revealed allergies not only to wheat and rye flours but also to psyllium, with a remarkable 10 mm wheal. Subsequently, nasal provocation tests confirmed occupational allergic rhinitis to psyllium. We also found work-related sensitization to buckwheat, which she used in gluten-free baking. Due to the increased prevalence of celiac disease and the popularity of gluten-free and vegan food, psyllium has recently become a common ingredient in baking, used as a substitute for gluten or eggs. Bakers handle allergens such as these in high concentrations and this may lie behind the emergence of respiratory and dermal symptoms. It is essential to consider new or recenlty introduced materials as possible allergens if it is suspected that a baker has work-related respiratory or allergic symptoms.

Nowadays, consumers’ attention to the functional foods has increased significantly. In this study, the effect of different concentration (0.5, 1, and 2%) of P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage (PFM) on survivability of L.acidophilus, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of produced low‐fat yoghurt were investigated in 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage period. Results showed that at the beginning of the storage period, the number of L.acidophilus in yoghurt samples containing PFM was significantly higher than control sample. The highest number of L.Acidophilus was observed in yoghurt sample contain 2% PFM (6.68 log CFU/g) on the first day of storage period. The lowest decrease of L.Acidophilus (0.2 log CFU/g) was observed in the sample contain 2% PFM. Treatments containing PFM had lower pH and higher acidity than the control sample. Addition of PFM to the yoghurt samples increased water holding capacity (WHC) during storage period significantly while syneresis decreased. The highest WHC (89%) and the lowest syneresis (6%) were observed in yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM. Sensory evaluation results showed that the treatments containing PFM were not significantly different in taste, but the probiotic yogurt containing 1% PFM had the highest acceptability in terms of total appearance and texture. Evaluation of L, a, and b values indicated that yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM was significantly lower in L and b values and higher in a value than the control sample. Therefore, using P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage in yoghurt sample formulation improved the physicochemical attributes and probiotic survivability of produced yoghurt sample.

BACKGROUND Plantago ovata, commonly called psyllium, is known to be a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. The present study was aimed at determining polyphenol content and studying their antioxidant activities in P. ovata during in vitro callus culture. An attempt was also made to enhance polyphenol content using external additives. The role of PAL gene in polyphenol accumulation was also studied. RESULTS The study indicated the presence of significant amounts of polyphenols, including flavonoids, in P. ovata callus. A gradual increase in polyphenol and flavonoid content was observed up to the third passage (63 days) of callus culture, which declined at the next passage. The third-passage callus showed highest antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatographic results indicated the presence of high amounts of gallic acid and rutin in P. ovata calli; however, other polyphenols were also present but to a lesser extent. Additive supplementation was effective in enhancing polyphenol production and in increasing antioxidant activity in P. ovata callus. CONCLUSION The present research reported accumulation of polyphenols in callus culture of P. ovata, which could be applied to isolation of polyphenols for various beneficial purposes. It also indicated enhancement in the production of several polyphenols and also an increase in antioxidant activity in the additive-treated callus. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Introduction Comprehensive chemical profiling of herbal medicines (HMs) is a major challenge in chemical characterisation of source materials. Many analytical platforms such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) have been applied to the characterisation. However, the great complexity of analytical results has been an obstacle. Chemometric resolution methods as a supplementary tool for data processing are proposed for solving this problem. Objective To develop and demonstrate the ability of chemometric techniques in the characterisation of volatile components in herbal medicines. Methods The volatile components of Plantago ovata were extracted using a solvent extraction method. GC–MS analysis were performed using an Agilent HP-6890 gas chromatograph equipped with a HP-5MS capillary, interfaced with an Agilent HP- 5973 mass selective detector. Resolved spectra were identified by matching against the standard mass spectral database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Results Results of this study show that the 71 constituents that are qualitatively recognised represent 94.53% of the total relative content of constituents from Plantago ovata oil, whereas without applying the chemometric methods only 51 constituents were recognised by direct searching utilising a mass database. In addition the presence of valuable components such as thymol, 2,4-decadienal, linoleic acid and oleic acid in Plantago ovata oil has been demonstrated. Conclusion GC–MS combined with chemometric resolution methods, such as multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR–ALS), will provide a reliable means for rapid and accurate analyses of unknown complicated practical systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SummaryBackground Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly herbal therapy, is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but controlled data are limited. Aim To systematically review the literature on the efficacy of herbal therapy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Methods Publications in English and non-English literatures (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, AMED, Global Health) were searched from 1947 to 2013 for controlled clinical studies of herbal therapy in IBD. Outcome measures included response and remission rates. Results Twenty-one randomised controlled trials (14 UC; 7 CD) including a total of 1484 subjects (mean age 41, 50% female) were analysed. In UC, aloe vera gel, Triticum aestivum (wheat grass juice), Andrographis paniculata extract (HMPL-004) and topical Xilei-san were superior to placebo in inducing remission or response, and curcumin was superior to placebo in maintaining remission; Boswellia serrata gum resin and Plantago ovata seeds were as effective as mesalazine, whereas Oenothera biennis (evening primrose oil) had similar relapse rates as omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of UC. In CD, Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) and Tripterygium wilfordii were superior to placebo in inducing remission, and preventing clinical recurrence of post-operative CD respectively. Conclusions Randomised controlled trials of herbal therapy for the treatment of IBD show encouraging results but studies remain limited and heterogenous. Larger controlled studies with stricter endpoints and better-defined patient groups are required to obtain more conclusive results on the use of CAM therapies in IBD.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, grinding, and possibility of whole seeds of Plantago psyllium (PP) and Plantago ovata (PO) application as an alternative to hydrocolloid for gluten‐free bread baking. The procedure of seeds swelling was proposed, trace elements and physical properties of seeds were determined. The grinding energy of seeds and the baking of gluten‐free bread with the addition of whole and grinded form of seeds was made. The seeds of PP and PO are a rich source of trace elements, such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These seeds swell very quickly. PO swells faster at lower temperatures than PP. Grinded seeds of two types of studied Plantago can be used as substitutes for hydrocolloids, they caused a considerable increase in the gluten‐free dough yield (from 200 to 240%) and beneficially affected the texture of the crumb. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Similarly to fiber the seeds of PP or PO can also be used as replacements for hydrocolloids in the production of gluten‐free bread. The use of whole seeds does not require complicated procedures of fiber extraction, it also has much higher efficiency. Our research allowed to identify a hummer mill on which satisfactory results of Plantago seeds were obtained. PO compared to PP has the seeds that are more susceptible to grinding, their grinding energy is much lower. Characterization of the physical properties of seeds will allow adaptation of processing in the future. Plantago seeds swell intensely in water at different rates depending on the temperature. As a source of trace elements such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, whole seeds of Plantago can be a valuable functional food additive.

The current study aimed at developing Plantago ovata F. husk mucilage (PHM)-blended Zn2+-crosslinked low methoxyl (LM) pectinate (PHM-Zn2+-LM-pectinate) controlled-release matrices containing aceclofenac (ACF) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with an outright zinc deficiency. The ACF-encapsulated hydrogel matrices were accomplished by ionic-gelation using ZnSO4 as a crosslinker. The matrix diameter ranged from 1.39 ± 0.14 to 1.62 ± 0.16 mm. These formulations demonstrated excellent drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, 63.80 ± 1.73 - 90.56 ± 2.72 %) and controlled drug release behavior over a prolonged period of time (Q10h, 51.42 ± 3.10 - 92.60 ± 2.38 %). The drug elution patterns of different matrices were best-fitted in zero-order kinetic model with case-II transport driven mechanism. The matrices also depicted pH-dependent swelling and degradation properties. In addition, the composites were characterized by SEM, FTIR and P-XRD analyses. Thus, the newly developed PHM-Zn+2-LM-pectinate matrices could be appropriate for controlled ACF delivery along with Zn supplementation in the effective treatment of RA.

Plantago ovata F. are small tan-colored seeds with ≈30% weight husk. Plantago's husk high content of soluble fiber makes it a good lubricant of the intestinal track with demonstrated effects in lowering plasma cholesterol levels in humans and experimental animals. Plantago seeds grown in Northern Mexico were analyzed for proximate composition, combustion heat, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, fatty acids, amino acids, and protein fractionation. In vitro digestibility and digestibility of dry matter, apparent and true digestibility, and net protein ratio (in vivo) were also analyzed. Plantago seeds had 17.4% protein, 6.7% fat, 24.6% total dietary fiber, 19.6% insoluble fiber, 5.0% soluble fiber, and a combustion heat of 4.75 kcal/g. Osborne fractionation (based on solubility) yielded albumin 35.8%, globulin 23.9%, and prolamin 11.7%. The oil from plantago seeds had a high percentage of linoleic acid (40.6%) and oleic acid (39.1%) and a minor proportion of linolenic acid (6.9%). In vitro protei...

There is growing global demand for medicinal drugs including isabgol (Plantago ovata). With increasing demand of food for an ever-increasing population in India, it is not possible to bring arable lands under cultivation for aromatic and medicinal plants. Salt-affected lands (both saline and alkali) occupy about 8·6 million ha. Due to poor physical properties and excessive exchangeable Na+, most of these lands do not support good vegetation cover. The marginal and salt-affected lands could be successfully utilized for the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. We achieved almost complete germination of isabgol seeds using up to 5000 ppm salt-solution. Grain yield (including husk) was 1·47 to 1·58 t ha−1 at pH 9·2 showing no significant yield reduction as compared to normal soil. At pH 9·6 the grain yield was 1·03 to 1·12 t ha−1. At higher pH there was significant reduction in yield. Sowing in good moisture (at field capacity) of soil was found best, but to save time sowing at shallow depth in dry soil, followed by irrigation was also suitable as compared to broadcasting seeds. The chlorophyll content was greater 70 days after sowing compared to younger stages (50 days after sowing). The total chlorophyll and plant biomass were lower from crops grown by broadcasting methods of sowing as compared to two other methods of sowing. The leaf area index (LAI) was higher for the broadcasting method of sowing as compared to the other two methods. Na+ absorption increased and K+ and K+/Na+ ratio decreased with increase in pH. Results reported in this paper clearly indicate that isabgol can successfully be grown on moderately alkali soils up to pH 9·6 without the application of any amendment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background: Stool softening is a physician’s first step in the management of chronic constipation. Aim: To compare stool softening (stool water content) and laxative efficacy of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid vs. docusate sodium. Methods: The multi-site, randomized, double-blind, parallel-design study of 170 subjects with chronic idiopathic constipation involved a 2-week baseline (placebo) phase followed by 2 weeks of treatment. The treatment phase compared psyllium (5.1 g b.d.) plus docusate placebo to docusate sodium (100 mg b.d.) plus psyllium placebo. Stools were collected and assessed. Results: Compared to baseline, psyllium increased stool water content vs. docusate (psyllium 2.33% vs. docusate 0.01%, P = 0.007). Psyllium also increased stool water weight (psyllium 84.0 g/BM; docusate 71.4 g/BM; P = 0.04), total stool output (psyllium 359.9 g/week; docusate 271.9 g/week; P = 0.005), and O’Brien rank-type score combining objective measures of constipation (psyllium 475.1; docusate 403.9; P = 0.002). Bowel movement (BM) frequency was significantly greater for psyllium (3.5 BM/week) vs. docusate (2.9 BM/week) in treatment week 2 (P = 0.02), with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatment groups in treatment week 1 (3.3 vs. 3.1 BM/week). Conclusion: Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for softening stools by increasing stool water content, and has greater overall laxative efficacy in subjects with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Seed husk of Plantago ovata (ispaghula) is a popular laxative used to regulate bowel movements. It is generally believed that its laxative effect is mediated through its fibre and/or hydrophilic mucilloid contents. We demonstrate in this communication that it also contains active chemicals causing a laxative effect. An aqueous–methanol extract of ispaghula at a dose range of 1–10 mg/mL caused a dose-dependent stimulatory effect in guinea-pig ileum. Pretreatment of tissue with atropine (1 μM) completely blocked the contractile effect of a supra-maximal dose of acetylcholine (10 μM) similar to that of the lower doses of ispaghula (1–4 mg/mL), however, the effect of the larger doses (6 and 10 mg/mL) was blocked partially. These results indicate that the stimulatory effect of ispaghula at lower doses is mediated through an ACh-like mechanism and the effect of high doses was mediated partially through unknown mechanism(s). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Finely ground psyllium (Plantago ovata) seeds, so-called ispaghula powder is used in bulk laxatives. During the dispensing of these medicines some dust is generated. Allergic symptoms from exposure to this dust was reported by two nurses, one of whom was working in a department where exposure to the powder could be considered high. Nineteen other subjects working in the same department were investigated with regard to allergy to ispaghula powder. An extract from ispaghula powder was made and used in RAST and skin tests. Exposure tests with ispaghula powder mixed with crushed rusks were made in symptomatic subjects. Eight out of the 20 investigated subjects from this department reported symptoms which could possibly have been elicited by ispaghula powder. Evidence of sensitization was found in five of them. The use of less dusty (granulated) forms of ispaghula laxatives might diminish the risk of sensitization.

A B S T R A C T As the ovule of Plantago ovata matures into a seed its epidermal cells are transformed from undifferentiated parenchyma to thin-walled containers of almost pure mucilage. During this process the volume of the cells increases 60-80 fold, and the protoplast degenerates to a remnant. Rapid cell expansion begins with pollination and is accompanied by an increase in the size of the nucleus and nucleolus, a change in the random arrangement of ribosomes, a decrease in the thickness of cell walls, and synthesis of starch. Deposition of mucilage inside vacuoles and between the plasma membrane and cell wall accompanies a marked increase in the number and size of Golgi vesicles. Histochemical evidence using the thiocarbohydrazide-osmium vapor method shows polysaccharide to be present within Golgi vesicles while they are still attached to the Golgi apparatus. Mucilage deposition is associated with further cell expansion, separation of the protoplast from the cell wall, fusion of vacuoles and extra protoplasmic space, and the disappearance of starch. TIIE OUTERMOST CELL LAYER of the seed in the genus Plantago contains little but mucilage. The seed-produced polysaccharides of several Plantago