Page 1 of 2
Status: Currently O
cial on 16-Feb-2025
O
cial Date: O
cial as of 01-May-2022
Document Type: USP Monographs
DocId: GUID-A7836D18-5329-4E21-ADE5-4E684D475BDC_4_en-US
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31003/USPNF_M65840_04_01
DOI Ref: qos8u
© 2025 USPC
Do not distribute
Plantago Seed
Change to read:
DEFINITION
▲Plantago Seed consists of the cleaned, dried, ripe seed of Plantago afra L. (formerly P. cynops L.) known in commerce as black psyllium; of
Plantago arenaria Waldst. & Kit. (formerly Plantago indica L. or P. psyllium L.) known in commerce as Spanish, French, or another source of
black psyllium; or of Plantago ovata Forssk. (formerly Plantago ispaghula Roxb.), known in commerce as ispaghula seed, blond psyllium, or
Indian plantago seed (Family Plantaginaceae).▲ (USP 1-May-2022)
CONTAMINANTS
• ARTICLES OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN 〈561〉, Pesticide Residue Analysis: Meets the requirements
SPECIFIC TESTS
Change to read:
• Botanical Characteristics
Macroscopic
▲Plantago afra whole seed: Ovate to narrowly ovate-elongated to oblong, concavo-convex; mostly from 1.3–2.7 mm in length, rarely up to 3
mm, and from 600 μm to 1.1 mm in width, "boat-shaped". It is light brown to moderate brown, darker along the margin, and glossy; the
convex dorsal surface exhibits a lighter-colored longitudinal area extending nearly the length of the seed and represents the embryo lying
beneath the seed coat, and shows a sometimes indistinct transverse groove nearer the broader end. The concave ventral surface has a
deep cavity, in the center of the base of which is an oval, yellowish-white circular hilum.
Plantago arenaria whole seed: Ovate-oblong to elliptical, concavo-convex, "boat-shaped"; measures 1.6–3 mm in length and 1–1.5 mm in
width. Externally it is dark reddish brown to moderate yellowish brown, irregular, glossy to dull, rough, and reticulate; the convex dorsal
surface has a longitudinal lighter-colored area extending lengthwise along the center and beneath the seed coat, and a median transverse
groove, dent, or
ssure. The ventral surface has a deep concavity, the edges somewhat
attened and frequently forming a sharp indented
angle with the base of the cavity, the latter showing a light-colored oval hilum.
Plantago ovata whole seed: Broadly elliptical to ovate, "boat-shaped", from 2–3.5 mm in length and from 1–1.5 mm in width. It is pale brown
to moderate brown with a dull surface; the convex surface has a small, elongated, glossy brown spot. The concave surface forms a deep
cavity, in the center of the base of which is a hilum covered with a thin membrane.▲ (USP 1-May-2022)
Odor and taste: All varieties of Plantago seed are nearly odorless, ▲taste weak, and are mucilaginous.▲ (USP 1-May-2022)
Microscopic: Plantago seed is reniform in median transverse sections. Its seed coat has a colorless epidermis of mucilaginous cells whose
radial and outer walls break down to form layers of mucilage when brought into contact with water, and a reddish-brown to yellow pigment
layer in the seeds of ▲P. arenaria,▲ (USP 1-May-2022) a broad endosperm with thick-walled outer palisade cells, and irregular inner endosperm
cells; and a straight embryo extending lengthwise through the center. The endosperm and embryo cells contain
xed oil and aleurone
grains, the latter are round, oval, pyriform, or irregularly shaped, measuring 2–8 μm in diameter.
Change to read:
• Water ABsorption
Sample: 1 g of Plantago Seed
Analysis: Place the Sample in a 25-mL graduated cylinder, add water to the 20-mL mark, and shake the cylinder at intervals during 24 h. Allow
the seeds to settle for 12 h, and note the total volume occupied by the swollen seeds.
Acceptance criteria: ▲
▲ (USP 1-May-2022) NLT 8 mL
• ARTICLES OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN 〈561〉, Methods of Analysis, Foreign Organic Matter: NMT 0.50%
• ARTICLES OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN 〈561〉, Methods of Analysis, Total Ash: NMT 4.0%
• ARTICLES OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN 〈561〉, Methods of Analysis, Acid-Insoluble Ash: NMT 1.0%
OFFICIAL
2/16/25, 11:58 AM USP-NF Plantago Seed
www.webofpharma.com
Page 2 of 2
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• PacKaGinG and StoraGe: Preserve in well-closed containers, and secure against insect attack.
Auxiliary Information - Please check for your question in the FAQs before contacting USP.
Topic/Question Contact Expert Committee
PLANTAGO SEED
Nam-Cheol Kim
Scienti
c Liaison
BDSHM2020 Botanical Dietary Supplements
and Herbal Medicines
REFERENCE STANDARD SUPPORT
RS Technical Services
RSTECH@usp.org
BDSHM2020 Botanical Dietary Supplements
and Herbal Medicines
Chromatographic Database Information: Chromatographic Database
Most Recently Appeared In:
Pharmacopeial Forum: Volume No. 46(6)
Current DocID: GUID-A7836D18-5329-4E21-ADE5-4E684D475BDC_4_en-US
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31003/USPNF_M65840_04_01
DOI ref: qos8u
OFFICIAL
2/16/25, 11:58 AM USP-NF Plantago Seed
www.webofpharma.com