Plantago asiatica L.Uses Plantain seed and Plantain Seed Extract.

Contents

• Basic Botanical Data of Plantain Seed.Semen plantaginis.
• Botanical Description of Common plantain.
• What is Plantain Seed?.
• Functions of Plantain Seed.Semen plantaginis.
• Indications and Combinations of Plantain Seed.Semen plantaginis.
• Constituents of Plantain?.
• Plantain:Pharmacology and Applications.
• Plantain:Psyllium seed,Psyllium husk,The Amazing Fiber!
• How search engine think about Plantain?
• Rearch Update:Plantain Seed.

Indications and Combinations of Plantain Seed.Semen plantaginis.:

Edema; dysuria with difficult painful urination; diarrhea caused by summer-damp; inflammation of the eye; cough caused by phlegm-heat.

 Damp-heat flowing into the urinary bladder manifested as dysuria, painful urination, frequent urination and distending and full sensation in the lower abdominal region. Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) is used with Clematis stem (Mutong), Capejasmine (Zhizi) and Talc (Huashi) in the formula Bazheng San.

 Damp-heat diarrhea. Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) is used with Poria (Fuling), White atractylodes (Baizhu) and Alismatis rhizome (Zexie).

 Heat in the liver manifested as red, painful and swollen eyes. Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Chinese gentian (Longdancao) and Scutellaria root (Huangqin).

 Deficiency of yin in the liver and kidney manifested as blurred vision and cataracts. Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang), Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Wolfberry fruit (Gouqizi).

 Cough with profuse sputum due to heat in the lungs. Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou), Scutellaria root (Huangqin) and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu).
 

 Medicinal virtues:

 The clarified juice drank for a few days helps excoriations or pains in the bowels, and distillations of rheum from the head. It stays all manner of fluxes, even women's courses, when too abundant, and staunches the too free bleeding of wounds. The seed is profitable against dropsy, failing-sickness, yellow jaundice and stoppings of the liver and reins. The juice, or distilled water, dropped into the eyes cools inflammation in them.

 The juice mixed with Oil of Roses and the temples and forehead anointed with it, eases pains in the head proceeding from heat. It can also be profitably applied to all hot gouts in the hands and feet. It is also good to apply to bones out of joint, to hinder inflammations, swellings and pains that presently rise thereupon.

 The dried and powdered leaves taken in drink kills worms of the belly; boiled in wine, it kills worms which breed in old and foul ulcers. One part of the herb water and two parts of the brine of powdered beef, boiled together and clarified, is a remedy for all scabs and itch in the head and body, tetters, ringworms, shingles and running and fretting sores. All Plantains are good wound-herbs, for wounds and sores, internal and external.
 
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 Modern uses:

 Cautions Contraindications:This herb should be wrapped in cloth for decoctions if a strainer is not used.

 In traditional Chinese medicine, plantain seeds are associated with the Kidney, Liver and Lung meridians, and have sweet and cold properties. Their main functions are to promote the metabolism of water, to stop diarrhea, to clear heat in the liver, and to clear the lung and resolve phlegm. Among the conditions plantain seeds are used to treat are painful urination, frequent urination, edema, distention in the abdomen, blurred vision, cataracts, and coughs.

 Precautions:

 Commercially-prepared psyllium products may contain sugar, making them inappropriate for use by individuals with diabetes. However, since psyllium may lower blood sugar levels, non-sweetened or artificially-sweetened psyllium products may help to control diabetes. Individuals who have diabetes and who take psyllium may need to check their blood sugar levels more often. Psyllium is one of the safest laxatives available for long-term use. It is widely considered by the traditional medical community as very safe and effective when used in recommended doses for constipation and diarrhea.

 People who are suspected of having an intestinal blockage or who suffer from narrowing of the esophagus or any other part of the intestinal tract should not use psyllium. Pregnant women, people with diabetes, and children under age six should use psyllium only after talking to their doctor. In rare cases psyllium can cause an allergic reaction.

 Although such accidents are unusual, cases have been reported of patients suffocating when a mass of psyllium blocked the upper airway. Although these incidents are most common in elderly patients or those with neurological disorders, anyone taking a psyllium preparation on a regular basis should drink a large glass of water or other liquid immediately following each dose.
 
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 Contraindications:

 Plantain is not associated with any common side effects and is thought to be safe for children.There is no information available about its use by pregnant or nursing women, though topical application appears to be safe. Adulteration of plantain with digitalis leading to dangerous side effects has been reported in Switzerland and the United States.Although rare, it points to the need for consumers to purchase herbs from companies that carefully test their herbal products for adulteration.

 Possible side Effects:

 Psyllium seed products are not absorbed by the body. Therefore, they are not likely to cause body-wide side effects. However, psyllium may cause blockages of the esophagus or intestines, if it is not taken with a sufficient amount of water.

 Psyllium may cause minor gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating and gas.

 For some individuals, pollen from plantain, the plants that produce psyllium seeds, may cause allergic reactions that can include itching, sneezing, and watering eyes. In rare instances,particularly sensitive individuals may suffer a severe type of allergic reaction that may result in breathing difficulty, hives, swollen throat, or unconsciousness.

 Plantain may have following side effect: Diarrhea, gas, upset stomach;Lowered blood pressure;faster heart beat;low blood pressure. If these symptoms occurs with given medicine then consult to your doctor.The use of psyllium may cause increased abdominal gas, stomach rumbling, and a feeling of bloating. A few patients may experience nausea and vomiting, but these side effects are rare.
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 Interactions:

 Generally, when it is mixed with water or other fluids, psyllium forms a sticky gel that could block the absorption of any drugs, herbals, or foods that are taken at the same time. If psyllium is taken, drugs and meals should be taken more than one hour before or 4 hours after taking psyllium.

 Interactions with Prescription Drugs:

 Psyllium seed may interfere with the body absorption of lithium, which is often used to treat bipolar disorder; and carbamazepine (Tegretol), which is used to treat epilepsy. If psyllium is taken at the same time as one of these drugs, the effect of the lithium or carbamazepine may be decreased and the condition may not be treated adequately.

 On the other hand, psyllium's possible blood sugar-lowering effect may increase the effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:

 Actos,Amaryl,Avandia,glipizide (Glucotrol XL),glyburide (Glynase),Glyset,metformin (Glucophage),Prandin,Precose

 Interactions with Non-prescription Drugs:

 Taking psyllium may interfere with the body absorption of vitamins (such as vitamin B12) and minerals (such as calcium and iron) from supplements or foods, making fewer nutrients available for the body to use. If multivitamins or vitamin-mineral combinations are being taken at the same time as psyllium, the supplement should be taken more than one hour before psyllium or more than 4 hours after psyllium.

 Interactions with Herbal Products:

 Because psyllium may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia ?blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
 Eleuthero,Fenugreek,Ginger (in high amounts),Kudzu,Panax ginseng
 Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others.
 
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 Dosage and Administration:

 An infusion of the leaves - 1 Oz (28 g) to 1 Pt (568 pt) of boiling water - is taken in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml) as a remedy for piles and diarrhoea.

 A decoction of the seeds is given to children in tablespoonful doses for thrush. One ounce (28 g) of the seeds is boiled in 1 1/2 Pt (852 ml) of water until it measures i pt (568 ml). The seeds are mucilaginous and laxative and can he used as a substitute for Linseed.

 Dosage : 5-15g decoction, or take in pill or powder form.The typical dosage of plantain seed is between 5 and 10 grams of seeds, decocted in water. The seeds should be strained out of the decoction before oral administration. If a strainer is unavailable, the seeds should be wrapped in cloth before being placed in the water.

 Tea:Steeping the herb in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for 10-15 minutes making 3 cups (750 ml ) per day.

 External:The fresh leaves can be used directly 3 or4 times per day to minor injuries , dermatitis, and insect stings.

 Tinctures:1/2 teaspoon (2-3 ml) three times per day, can also be used, to cure a cough

 Oral:1/2-1 1/4 teaspoons (2-6 grams) of the fresh leaves can be juiced and taken in parts throughout the day.

 Most commonly, psyllium is available in bulk as seed husks, whole seeds, or seed powder. It may be flavored and sweetened with sugar or with an artificial sweetener. Ordinarily, one of these bulk forms of psyllium is stirred into a beverage (such as water or fruit juice) and consumed right away. If the mixture is allowed to stand, it thickens to a slimy texture that many individuals find difficult or offensive to swallow. Psyllium may also be available as capsules or in cookies. Psyllium should always be taken with at least 8 ounces of liquid for every 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) of bulk psyllium or each capsule or cookie. Due to the swelling action of the mucilage it contains, taking any form of psyllium without sufficient liquids could result in a blockage of the throat or intestines.

 For treating constipation, a suggested dose range for psyllium seeds or husks is 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) to 15,000 mg (about one tablespoon) three times per day. Once a soft stool has been achieved, psyllium may be discontinued. To prevent constipation, 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) may be taken daily on a regular basis.

 For treating diarrhea, smaller daily doses usually between 5,000 mg and 15,000 mg (one teaspoon to one tablespoon) ?are recommended. Individuals who have chronic diarrhea caused by medical conditions or liquid diets may take psyllium daily. However, most individuals who use psyllium for temporary diarrhea, stop taking psyllium when the diarrhea is resolved.

 For decreasing cholesterol, psyllium may be more effective when it is consumed along with low-fat, high-fiber foods such as oatmeal or wheat germ. In clinical studies, most participants followed a low-fat diet as well as taking psyllium to lower cholesterol. Typically, continuous dosing of 2,500 mg to 5,000 mg (about one-half teaspoon to one teaspoon) two or three times a day is suggested. A similar dose may help to reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

 Doses for other conditions vary greatly according to the condition and the response of the individual. Instructions from a healthcare professional should be followed, if psyllium is being used to treat other medical conditions.

 Recommended Dosage:

 The German Commission E recommends using 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1 to 3 grams) of the leaf daily in the form of tea made by steeping the herb in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for 10~15 minutes (making three cups (750 ml ) per day).The fresh leaves can be applied directly TID or QID to minor injuries, dermatitis, and insect stings.Syrups or tinctures, approximately 1/2 teaspoon (2~3 ml) TID, can also be used, particularly to treat a cough.Finally, 1/2~1 1/4 teaspoons (2~6 grams) of the fresh plant can be juiced and taken in three evenly divided oral administrations throughout the day.
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 Preparations:

 Psyllium is available in a large number of over-thecounter (OTC) formulations. In the United States, it is sold in mainstream pharmacies and supermarkets under the names of Metamucil, Fiberall, and Naturacil. Many other common laxatives include psyllium as an ingredient. There has also been discussion in the United States about adding psyllium to breakfast cereals to increase their fiber content. In health food stores, psyllium can be obtained as powdered husks or seeds. A common dosage for constipation is 2 tsp of psyllium (7 g) taken with at least one glass (8 oz) of water up to three times a day. The dose for diarrhea can be even higher,up to 40 g/day.

 Safety and Toxicity:Aucubin

 Aucubin was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activities, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage, ranging between 25.0~33.3% at 125.1mg/kg
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Reference:

• 1.Plantago asiatica L.Uses Plantain seed and Plantain Seed Extract.

Article Information:

♥The article and literature was edited by herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional.It runs a range of online descriptions about the titled herb and related phytochemicals,including comprehensive information related,summarized updating discoveries from findings of herbalists and clinical scientists from this field.The electronic data information published at our official website www.mdidea.com and www.mdidea.net,we tried best to update it to latest and exact as possible.
♣ last edit date:Dec 24th 2012 at 14:30