Psyllium seed may be effective in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with functional constipation

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, β-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

Comparing the Effect of Psyllium Seed on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease With Oral Omeprazole in Patients With Functional Constipation

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. Several studies have been carried out on the treatment of symptoms associated with GERD. The present study aimed to compare the effect of Psyllium seed and oral omeprazole on GERD in patients with functional constipation. In this trial, 132 patients were divided into 2 groups. The impact of omeprazole and Psyllium seed on the treatment and recurrence of GERD was studied. Among the patients, the rate of response to treatment was 89.2% (n = 58) in the Psyllium seed group, while in omeprazole group, it was 94% (n = 63; P = .31). The recurrence rates of Psyllium seed and omeprazole groups were 24.1% (n =14) and 69.8% (n = 44), respectively (P < .001). The results showed that treatment of functional constipation by Psyllium seed in patients with GERD leads to improvement of GERD and its recurrences in comparison with omeprazole.