Introduction
:
Plantago
ovata - Psyllium plant belongs to plantaginaceae family and hence seeds are in
dry and grows well in arid climatic condition. Psyllium seed is the main attraction of ethnobotanical,
medicinal or economic importance from psyllium plant.
Psyllium seeds are harvested in the month of
April and May. The seeds are brownish in colour, smooth in texture and
possess a arch in the center.
Chemical
Constituents
:
Mucilage mainly composed of arabinose, xylose, galacturonic acid, semi drying fatty oil and small amount of
aucubin.
Properties
:
Seed has property of mucilage formation on extraction of moisture.
Psyllium seeds are cooling, laxative, soothing, antiacidic, anti
diuretic and demulcent.
Specifications
:
Psyllium Seed
|
Color
|
Light
brown to moderate brown
|
Odor
|
Faint,
characteristic
|
Taste
|
Bland,
mucilaginous
|
Particle
Size
|
Not
More Than 5.0
% on U.S.S. 35#
|
Moisture
(loss on drying)
|
Not
More Than 12.0 %
|
Total
Ash
|
Not
More Than 4.0
%
|
Acid
Insoluble
Ash
|
Not
More Than 1.0%
|
Foreign
Organic Matter
|
Not
More Than 0.5
%
|