ABSTRACT
Plantago is the only genus on which family Plantaginaceae is based (Rahn 1996). Commonly known as plantains, these plants are mostly annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs. Most of the species belonging to the genus exist as weeds, like P. lanceolata (L.) and P. major (L.), which are common lawn weeds and are distributed throughout the world. Out of more than 200 species of the genus, only two-namely, P. ovata (Figure 22.1) and P. psyllium (L.)—have been extensively used for the production of seed husk. The husk of P. ovata is colorless and is known as isabgol in Hindi and blonde psyllium in English (Figure 22.1), while that of P. psyllium (L.) is dark brown and is called French psyllium. Since blonde psyllium (hereafter referred to as psyllium) is colorless and has higher mucilage content, it has gained preference and popularity over French Psyllium in the world market.
