Plantaginis ovatae semen

Seeds of Plantago ovata: 1.5-3.5 mm large, oval, grayish-brown to reddish-yellow, boat-shaped seeds. The name "Indian psyllium" refers to an official drug that is used as a herbal medicine, primarily for the treatment of habitual constipation. The drug swells with water to form a mucilage product, thereby increasing stool volume.

The ripe seeds(Plantaginis ovata semen) or the seed husks (Indian psyllium husks - Plantaginis ovatae seminis tegumentum) are used phytotherapeutically.

Quality defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Well-established use: Internal: Constipation for softening the stool, e.g. after rectal or anal examinations, for anal fissures and hemorrhoids

see also Indian psyllium husks: Plantaginis ovatae seminis tegumentum: Well-established use: Irritable bowel syndrome, support for a cholesterol-lowering diet
Approval: Stool irregularities, irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon), diverticulosis, in the presence of an artificial bowel outlet and as a supportive measure in Crohn's disease.
ESCOP monograph: Indian psyllium seeds/Indian psyllium husks: constipation, for easy bowel evacuation with soft stools, e.g. in the case of anal fissures, hemorrhoids, after rectal-anal surgery, during pregnancy; irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea of various causes.

Indian psyllium husks (additional): as a supplement to a low-fat diet for mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Commission E-Monography: Indian psyllium/Indian psyllium husks: chronic constipation and to facilitate bowel evacuation in anal fissures, haemorrhoids, after rectal-anal surgery, during pregnancy; supportive therapy for diarrhea of various causes. for irritable bowel syndrome.

Empirical medicine: adjuvant for diabetes mellitus, slight reduction of elevated cholesterol levels, intestinal sluggishness

Cosmetics: Plantago ovata seed extract (INCI)

Mucilage in the epidermis of the seed coat (soluble in water): D-galacturonic acid, D-xylose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose. Other ingredients: aucubin, proteins, protein, fatty oil, sugar.

Indian flea seed is used as a drug for habitual constipation (K59.0); the drug can also be used during pregnancy. Indian flea seed is also suitable for diseases (e.g. anal fissures, haemorrhoidal disorders) in which a "soft" bowel movement is adjuvantly indicated.

The seeds are also suitable for external use with compresses. Indications for this are rheumatic diseases and inflammations.

As a mild laxative, 12 to 40 g of the psyllium (alternatively 4-20 g of psyllium husks) can be added to water. After swelling, take with plenty of water.

Possible undesirable interactions are allergies or hypersensitivity reactions ranging from urticaria to mild asthmatic attacks (when used by inhalation).

In the presence of intestinal obstruction or stenosis in the gastrointestinal tract must be refrained from use. In the case of existing diabetes mellitus, it is advisable to check the ingredients carefully, as some finished preparations contain sugar. Allergy to one of the ingredients.

Indian flea seeds can reduce the absorption of medication and should therefore be taken at a time interval from the medication.

The fixed combination senna leaves + Indian flea seeds consists of:

• Sennae folium (senna leaves)
• Plantaginis ovata semen (Indian flea seed)

has a laxative effect and is used for constipation.

^Mucofalk®, ^Flosine® Balance, ^Metamucil®, as a combination preparation with senna: ^Agiolax®

The seeds swell in water to many times their volume and have a laxative effect in the intestinal tract. Sufficient liquid intake: at least in the ratio 1:10!

Do not take at the same time as milk, otherwise the swelling is prevented.

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/flohkraut---flohsamen-wegerich.php
2. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-plantago-ovata-forssk-semen_en.pdf
3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 130-131
4. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 509-511
5. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/plantago-ovata/flohsamen.htm