Page 33 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

White mustard possesses rubefacient and vesicant properties similar to black
mustard.

(Psyllium) Flea Seeds

Medicinal parts: The dried ripe seed of Plantago psyllium (Plantago afra)

and P. arenaria, family Plantaginaceae.

Active constituents:

✓ The seeds contain 10–30% mucilaginous hydrocolloid, which is
localized in the outer seed-coat (husk) and is the major, active
principle.

✓ The mucilage is composed of a soluble polysaccharide fraction
containing mainly arabinoxylans (85%).

Uses supported by clinical data
As a bulk-forming laxative used to restore and maintain regularity. It is
indicated in the treatment of chronic constipation, temporary constipation due
to illness, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation related to duodenal ulcer. It
is also used to soften the stools of those with haemorrhoids, or after anorectal
surgery. Psyllium is used for disorders where easy bowel movements with a
loose stool is desirable (e.g., in patients with anal fissures and hemorrhoids;
following anal/rectal surgery; and during pregnancy).
Contraindications The drug is contraindicated in patients who have
pathological narrowing in the gastrointestinal tract, obstruction or threatening
obstruction of the bowel (ileus).
The EMEA HMPC Community Herbal Monographs include the
following information. The seed and husk should not be used by patients
with: a sudden change in bowel habit that persists for more than two weeks;
undiagnosed rectal bleeding; failure to defecate following the use of a

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