Pharmaceutical benefits of Plantago ovate (Isabgol seed): a review

Psyllium (Ispaghula psyllium, Plantago ispaghula and Plantago ovata), has been used as a dietary fiber supplement, bulk-forming laxative, colon cancer with advance technology. During the last decade, dietary supplementation with Psyllium has been shown to lower blood cholesterol level (especially LDL cholesterol) and to maintain blood glucose homeostasis, which together is the most effective preventive measures against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Main advantages offered by these polymers are their being nontoxic, less expensive and freely available. The presented review summarises research studies which were aimed at exploring the use of isabgol as an excipient in another way for development of novel drug delivery system and the functional benefits of Psyllium fiber consumption and explore the potential application of this fibre for dietary prevention of various disease and disorder.