Seed Morphological Studies in the Indian Isubgol of Commerce

Plantago ovata L. (Plantaginaceae) is known as 'Isubgol' and the seeds are used in medicine. Seeds of P. amplexicaule, P. lanceolata, P. afra and P. asiatica are also used as substitutes or mixed with the seeds of P. ovata. Seeds of Salvia aegyptiaca (Labiatae) are also found to be mixed with isubgol. To identify and distinguish them from each other, the seeds of all Indian species of Plantago along with those of Salvia aegyptaca have been studied. Correct names, local names, description, distribution in India and their uses along with a key to the species are provided in this work.