INTRODUCTION:

The Latin term “Plantago ovata” means “sole of the foot,” and the suffix “ovata” describes the leaf form¹. The word “psyllium,” which has Greek etymology, means “flea” in reference to the hue, form, and size of seeds. Because of the boat-shaped seeds, the Persian word “Isabgol” (meaning “horse ear”) is the source of the name. Plantago ovata, sometimes referred to as “Psyllium” in English and “Isabgol” in Hindi, is an annual herb with a short stem length of 10 to 45 cm. It is a member of the Plantaginaceae family and goes by several names, including ashwagolam, asphaghol, aspagol, bazargutuna, and blond Psyllium.²

BACKGROUND:

Isabgol, sometimes referred to as psyllium husk, is a dietary fiber that aids in encouraging laxation and producing more feces. The highest fiber content and optimum quality are found in Isabgol. It is a unique fiber that is widely grown throughout the world and functions like a sponge to help clean the intestines. Tiny flower spikes on shrubby perennial plants with narrow green leaves eventually develop into seedpods.³

The Isabgol species is native to Pakistan and India, where Muslims brought it as a medicinal plant. For this reason, it was initially planted in Pakistan’s cities of Lahore and Multan. It was first utilized by individuals in Asian nations as a treatment for intestinal issues such as chronic dysentery.⁴

SOURCE OF ISABGOL:

Plant based.⁵

FACTS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Psyllium and its products have a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Psyllium has long been used and recognized for its therapeutic benefits in India. India is the world’s biggest producer and exporter of Isabgol husk and seeds. Known for its therapeutic qualities, it is a significant crop during the Rabi season in terms of commerce. In addition to its husk (the seed coat is referred to as the “husk”), it is utilized in the food business, particularly in the production of sweets, ice-creams and biscuits. The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh are where the crop is primarily grown.⁶

One of the most significant medicinal crops farmed for its husk is Isabgol. About 25% or more of the total seed output (by weight) is made up of mucilage. The mucilage of Isabgol seeds is frequently referred to as husk or Psyllium husk. The mucilage from milled seeds is a fibrous white substance that loves water. India is the world’s leading producer of Isabgol (98%) and the only country that supplies seeds and husk to the global market.⁷

Isabgol has a high protein content and the husk produces colloidal mucilage, which is appreciated for use in medicine and utilized in allopathic, UNANI, and Ayurvedic systems. Cultivated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, it is an annual herb. Additionally, this crop fits well in the cropping system because it may be grown in the winter without affecting the output of the subsequent monsoon crop. There are numerous industrial uses for seed husks. It is the primary ingredient in many laxative formulations used in modern medicine that also contain different flavors and sodium bicarbonate.⁸

Because seed husk mucilage has the amazing ability to thicken, it could find application in the food industry. It is used as an ingredient in chocolates and other food goods, as well as a fundamental stabilizer in ice cream. In addition, it serves as a foundation for make-up and is utilized for size. It has been discovered that the husk broke down in cruched tablets and functioned well as a binder.⁹

The seed husk creates jelly after being treated with a hot caustic soda solution, which serves as an alternative to agar-agar. Germicidal lubricating gels and dry dentrifice powder have been made with isabgol seed gum. Constipation and many other illnesses have traditionally been treated using psyllium seeds. Psyllium is mostly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a lubricating laxative, where it is thought to be helpful in treating minor illnesses and intestinal tract issues such as constipation.¹⁰

FORMS AND APPLICATION:

1. ISABGOL SEEDS:

Plantago ovata forks (farm. Plantaginaceae) produce the dried, ripe seeds that are used to make psyllium seeds. These seeds have been thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust, agri-farm fibers, debris, muck, stones, and iron particles. 40% of the seed is composed of linoleic acid (LA), a crucial fatty acid that is vital to health. Psyllium seeds usually have a light to moderate brown hue and a slight smell. Thirty percent is insoluble fibers called polysaccharides make up the mucilage found in seeds.

2. ISABGOL HUSK:

The layer of mucilage that really surrounds the seed is called the psyllium husk. It is the sole portion of the plant utilized in the production of psyllium products, and is regarded as pure nutritional fiber. Its primary nutritional components include proteins, polysaccharides, glycosides, vitamin B1 and choline. Over 80% fiber content as opposed to 1% and less than 15% for bran and oat bran, respectively.

Hemicellitate fiber, a complex carbohydrate included in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, makes up the majority of the husk. Despite being indigestible, hemicellulose is partially broken down in the colon and provides nourishment for the beneficial intestinal flora. Psyllium seeds undergo processing to extract the husk, which is the seed’s outer covering. About 70% of the fiber in psyllium husk is soluble and 30% is insoluble. The culinary, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors use this white, fibrous substance. Psyllium husk is offered in different grades based on purity, mesh size, etc. to accommodate the needs of each user. The four purity grades that are primarily offered are 99% Pure, 98% Pure, and 85% Pure. Psyllium seeds and husk are sorted and graded based on their quality and purity.¹¹

3. ISABGOL HUSK POWDER:

· Blend Isabgol with juice, milk, honey or smoothie.

· Stir Isabgol into the curd.

· Warm water can also be used with it.

· Dressing for salads - Making a salad dressing with Isabgol is another inventive approach to get it into your diet. Isabgol, a natural sweetener, will give your salad just the proper amount of sweetness. All you have to do get started is add one or two teaspoons of husk to your salad bowl. As a result, you won’t need to add artificial sweeteners to your salads.¹²

HEALTH BENEFITS:

1. Weight management:

Isabgol helps suppress appetite and promote fullness, which makes it beneficial for weight loss. It is best to take Isabgol husk with water or warm milk right before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach. Isabgol overconsumption should be avoided as it can result in issues like diarrhea, loose stools, and abdominal pain, among other things.

2. Glucose management:

Because it includes Gelatin, which slows down the body’s absorption and digestion of glucose, Isabgol is a perfect food for diabetics. Patients with diabetes can benefit from it because it aids in controlling and regulating the body’s blood glucose levels.

3. Piles:

Consuming Isabgol helps with piles because it avoids constipation and gives the stool a thick appearance. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it also lessens the inflammation in piles.

4. Skin:

Because Isabgol has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help manage acne and pimples when administered topically combined with aloe vera gel.

5. Constipation:

Isabgol is a useful medication that has been used for centuries as a laxative to treat constipation. Isabgol’s insoluble fiber improves gastrointestinal motility by causing the faeces to soften and expand. For a few weeks, mix two tablespoons of Isabgol with a glass of warm milk and drink it before bed.

6. Cholesterol:

Isabgol’s hygroscopic qualities aid in lowering blood cholesterol by creating a thin coating in the intestines that effectively lowers cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from diet.

7. Gut:

Isabgol which is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, facilitates the flow of food through the intestines in your stomach, so aiding in the regularization of bowel movements. Before retiring to bed, one can take two teaspoons of Isabgol in a glass of buttermilk.

8. Acidity:

Isabgol is your savior, if you are experiencing acidity. It creates a coating that shields the stomach lining from acidity.

9. Diarrhea – taking Isabgol with curd in case of diarrhea blocks the calcium ion channels because it has antidiarrheal and anti-secretory properties.

10. Ulcerative colitis:

1-2 teaspoon of Isabgol husk powder with 1 glass of lukewarm water, at night before going to sleep, helps in case of inflammatory bowel disease due to its property of balancing Vata and Pitta. Isabgol adds volume to the waste and absorbs extra water which facilitates easy passage of stool and controls the frequency of motion due to its Guru (heavy) nature. Also, helps prevent inflammation of the intestine due to its Sita (potency).¹³

CONCLUSION:

Isabgol combines with bodily fluids to create a viscous gel. After that, it cleanses the blood vessels by absorbing cholesterol and bile acids¹⁴. It is quite advantageous for high cholesterol and other sicknesses in this way.

REFERENCES:

1. Agarwal OP. Prevention of Atheromatous Heart Disease. Angiology. 1985 Aug; 36(8): 485-92. doi: 10.1177/000331978503600801. PMID: 2864002.

2. Munshi R, Bhalerao S, Rathi P, Kuber VV, Nipanikar SU, Kadbhane KP. An open-label, prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLPL/AY/01/2008 in the management of functional constipation. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011; Jul; 2(3): 144-52. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.85554. PMID: 22022157; PMCID: PMC3193686.

3. Taneja A, Bhat CM, Arora A, Kaur AP. Effect of incorporation of isabgol husk in a low fibre diet on faecal excretion and serum levels of lipids in adolescent girls. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1989 Mar; 43(3): 197-202. PMID: 2543555.

4. Reddy PRT, Vandana KV, Prakash S. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Plantago ovata Forssk. leaves and seeds against periodontal pathogens: An in vitro study. Ayu. 2018; Oct-Dec; 39(4): 226-229. doi: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_176_16. PMID: 31367145; PMCID: PMC6639823.

5. Ebrahimzadeh Ardakani M, Emtiazy M, Lotfi MH, Mousavi M. Examination of the Topical Effect of the Combination of Plantago ovata and Vinegar on the Improvement of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions. Adv Biomed Res. 2023; Feb 25; 12: 32. doi: 10.4103/abr.abr_376_21. PMID: 37057223; PMCID: PMC10086648.

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Received on 12.01.2024 Modified on 17.02.2024

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2024; 12(2):145-147.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2024.00032