Psyllium in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Psyllium

Scientific name

Plantago afra, syn. Plantago psyllium

Family

Plantaginaceae

Origin

Mediterranean basin

Parts Used

Drug consisting of ripe and dried seeds

Chemical constituents

• Mucilage;
• Proteins;
• Iridoid glucosides;
• Fatty acids;
• Triterpenes;
• Phytosterols;
• Alkaloids (indicaine, indica mine, plantagonin)

Psyllium in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Psyllium

Psyllium and its seeds are mainly used in the treatment of constipation, thanks to their mucilaginous coating.