Phytotherapeutic studies on Plantago psyllium L.

Plantago psyllium L. (Plantaginaceae), Psyllium, is widely used in powdered form throughout Turkey and the world, in the treatment of chronic constipation, hemorrhoids and for losing weight due to its laxative property. It is also effective in reducing cholesterol and serum glucose levels.The objective of this study to determine macroscopic, microscobic characters, swelling index, amount of foreign matter, loss on drying and total ash of 6 commercial Psyllium Husk preparations as well as Plantago psyllium seed sample were determined in order to meet spesifications given in European Pharmacopoeia 5.0.In addition, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was performed on 6 commercial preparations along with Psyllium seeds and compared to that of arabinose and xylose used as standarts. As a result, it is found that two commercial preparations have not contained Psyllium given on their labels according to TLC analyses.