The botanical name for Plantago ovato is Chlorophyllia grandis. It is a tropical plant of the Caribbean Sea. This capsule like shrub has two underground stems, each bearing a single leaf. There are no flowers on this small tree. The plant grows best in a slightly moist soil.
Properties of Plantago Ovato and Isabgol
In its botanical name Plantago ovato means Chlorophyll in English. It has been used as an herbal and nutritional supplement for many years. The common hope behind the investigation of this small plant was to study different facets of this plant along with its cultivation, physiological growth, biotechnology, pharmacology and medicinal plants. Isabgol is currently one of the major contributors to this botanical family. Isabgol can be considered a smaller cousin to the much larger Psyllium plantago.
Isabgol is the essential ingredient in the herbal medicinal and also a laxative. The word laxative comes from the Latin word “ligare” which means to tie. In order to obtain the health benefits of this herb it needs to bind with the fluids that are secreted by the colon which would explain why the this root is considered an organic herb and not a synthetic one.
Ispaghula plant is very similar in appearance to the plantago ovata but is much smaller. The two plants are not related and are unrelated even though both are considered to be part of the botanical family of plants. Isabgol has been compared to artichoke leaves and stems in terms of appearance. Plantaginaceae includes a very large family of the medicinal plants. Among the most common plants in this family are basil, echinacea, eucalyptus, horsetail, rose, and scented trees such as the Australian eucalyptus tree.
Benefits of Isabgol
It has been shown that Isabgol has anti-cancer, cardiovascular, immune system, digestive and stomach functions. Isabgol can be used in the treatment of liver disease, gallbladder disorders, kidney disorders, gastric disorders, and menstrual disorders. Isabgol from the Mediterranean region has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy and is still being used by the people of the Mediterranean region.
Journey of Plantago Ovata to Isabgol
Plantago ovata was introduced to the world in the 1820’s by a French physician who traveled to the Asian country of China to collect samples of this plant. He then cross-bred these with Asian liorac type strains and created the modern day Isabgol or European leaf tea. The plantago ovata is now cultivated worldwide and is used in many health products, especially as a dietary fibre. It is available in capsule, tea, and supplement form.