Evidence supporting the use of: Plantago
For the health condition: Colitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Plantago (Psyllium) and Colitis: Evidence Overview
Plantago, specifically Plantago ovata seed husk (psyllium), is used as a dietary fiber supplement and has been researched for its effects in managing colitis, particularly ulcerative colitis. Several clinical studies have investigated psyllium's role in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients. A notable randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet (1999) found that psyllium was as effective as mesalamine, a standard anti-inflammatory drug, in maintaining remission over a 12-month period. Other studies have shown that supplementation with psyllium can improve stool consistency and bowel regularity, which may be beneficial for individuals with colitis experiencing diarrhea or irregularity.
The proposed mechanisms include psyllium's ability to form a gel-like substance that modulates water content in the colon, supports beneficial gut microbiota, and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. However, while the data is promising, the overall body of evidence is limited by small sample sizes and variability in study quality. Most positive findings relate to maintenance of remission rather than treatment of acute flares. Authoritative guidelines, such as those from the American College of Gastroenterology, do not yet recommend Plantago as a primary treatment but acknowledge its potential as an adjunct for some patients.
In summary, there is moderate scientific support for Plantago's use in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis, but it is not a replacement for conventional therapy. More large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to clarify its role in colitis management.
Other ingredients used for Colitis
AcemannanAkkermansia muciniphila
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
anthocyanins
apigenin
apple
apple cider vinegar
astaxanthin
Asteraceae
astragalin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bacillus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
bael
barberry
Basidiomycota
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blueberry
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bromelain
buckthorn
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
cabbage
cactus
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
colocynth
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
diterpenes
Euphorbia
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
Frangula
fucoidan
gallic acid
garlic bulb
ginger
Glycomacropeptides
Glycyrrhetinic acid
green tea
Guava
Hedyotis
Helicteres isora
hemp oil
hericium mushroom
Humic acid
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
Kefir
L-glutamine
L. lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus casei
Lactococcus lactis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
licorice root
Mucilage
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Nimbidin
Oligosaccharides
Osthole
Oxymatrine
Patrinia
Pediococcus acidilactici
Peptides
phlorotannins
picrorhiza kurroa
Plantago
plantain
polysaccharides
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
probiotics
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
quercetin
resveratrol
Rhus coriaria
rosmarinic acid
Saccharomyces boulardii
Scabrous Gentian
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Swertia
Tayuya
Trametes
tributyrin
Triphala
Triterpenes
turmeric
Varuna
xanthium (cockleburs)
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Plantago
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Asthma
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Stool
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
