PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES / 617

Other Names: Plantain, Fleaseed, Flea Wort, Psyllion,

Psyllios

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Mucilages (only in the epidermis of the seed coat, 10-12%):

chiefly arabinoxylans

Iridoids: aucubin (0.14%)

Pyrridine alkaloids: boschniakines, including plantagonine,

indicaine, indicainine

Proteic substances

Fatty oil

EFFECTS

The mucins are laxative and antidiarrheal; they regulate

intestinal peristalsis through the swelling effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Diarrhea


• Constipation

Unproven Uses: Psyllium Seed is used internally for

constipation, diarrhea, cystitis and all conditions in which a

soft stool is desirable, such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids,

anal-rectal surgery and pregnancy. It is also used externally

for furunculosis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Psyllium Seed is contraindicated in pathologic constriction

of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory illnesses of the

gastrointestinal tract, the threat or presence of ileus and in

severely variable diabetes mellitus.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: No health hazards or side effects are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

therapeutic dosages. Allergic reactions could, however, arise

in isolated cases (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and urticar-

ia). Incorrect administration procedures (with too little fluid)

can lead to obstruction (blockage) of the esophagus or the

intestine, particularly with older people.

Drug Interactions: Absorption of other drugs taken simulta-

neously could be delayed.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Internally as whole, cut or pow-

dered drug, and externally as a poultice.

Preparation: The ratio for the liquid extract is 1:1 (25%

ethanol).

Daily Dosage: The recommended daily dose is 12 to 40 g
drug. The dose for the liquid extract is 2 to 5 ml.

Storage: The cut drug should be protected from light and

moisture and used within 24 hours.

LITERATURE

Anonym, Pharmaceutical Care: "Den Mipbrauch von Laxanzien

vermeiden helfen". In: DAZ 135(20): 1867-1868. 1995.

Curry CE, (1982) Laxative products. In: Handbook of

Nonprescription Drugs, Am Pharmac Assoc, Washington, S 69-

92.

Fintelmann V, Phytopharmaka in der Gastroenterologie. In: ZPT

15(3):137. 1994.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Jaspersen-Schib R, Ballaststoffe als Lipidsenker. In: DAZ

132(39):1991. 1992.

Karawya MS et al., PM 20:14-35. 1971.

Kennedy JF et al., Carbohydr Res 75:265-274. 1979.

Schulz R, Hansel R, Rationale Phytotherapie, Springer Verlag

Heidelberg 1996.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und

pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New

York 1995.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Ptelea trifoliata

See Wafer Ash

Pterocarpus santalinus

See Red Sandalwood

Ptychopetalum olacoides

See Muira-Puama