Studies on growth and physiology of medicinal plants: Plantago spp.

Medicinal plants have influenced mankind from the times immemorial, with their healing abilities.In India and the surrounding regions, Ayurvedic Medicine is the dominant herbal tradition.Rajasthan has its own herbal lore depending on Ayurveda and with varied agro-climate conditions, is suitable for cultivation/growing of a large species of medicinal and aromatic plants. Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk) is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Western India. Plantago ovata Forsk belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. The genus Plantago is composed of total 280 species, out of which only two, Plantago ovata Forsk (Blond psyllium) and Plantago psyllium Decne (French psyllium) are cultivated for their seed husk. Other medicinally used species of Plantago are P. asiatica Lin.The seeds of this crop are mainly valued for mucilaginous husk. The husk is composed of reserved carbohydrates, particularly pantosans and is used in Ayurvedic, Unani and Allopathic medicines. The book describes methods of its propagation and improving its growth and productivity. The book is strongly recommended for to general practitioners, plant growers, scholars and researchers working on medicinal plants.