Plantago Ovata Husk Research Articles

In vitro‐in vivo performance evaluation of treated Plantago ovata husk based fast dissolving tablets of glipizide: Flashtab technology

Physicians suggest premeal administration of glipizide (30 min before a meal) because of longer disintegration time (approximately 15 min) of conventional tablet. Hence, the dosage form was developed, called as fast dissolving tablet (FDT), which disintegrates rapidly within a minute. FDTs by Flashtab technology is based on a swellable agent and a superdisintegrant. In the current study, treated Plantago ovata husk (TPOH), and microcrystalline cellulose were utilized as natural superdisintegrant and swellable agent, respectively. FDT formulations were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for in vitro tablet performance, such as disintegration time, wetting time, hardness, friability, swelling and percent drug release. On the basis of finding, formulation with 15% TPOH concentration (TPOH 7) was selected as optimized formulation. To evaluate the in vitro performance, the formulation TPOH 7 and the marketed tablets (glynase) were administered to rabbits. In the case of marketed tablet, the peak plasma‐concentration of glipizide was obtained in 2.83 h of administration whereas it was 2 h for TPOH 7 indicating immediate absorption and therefore faster onset of action of the prepared FDT formulation than the marketed one. Drug interaction studies, performed by using FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetric methods, indicate that the glipizide is compatible with the formulation components. The accelerated stability study (40°C ± 2°C/75% ±5% relative humidity) for the optimized formulation showed a negligible change over time for the in vitro parameters. The results suggest that TPOH has promising potential for faster disintegration and fulfills the requirement of FDTs. Key words: Direct compression, fast dissolving tablets, flashtab technology, glipizide, Plantago ovata husk, superdisintegrant

A randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Plantago ovata husk in Parkinson patients: changes in levodopa pharmacokinetics and biochemical parameters.

BackgroundPlantago ovata husk therapy could be used in patients with Parkinson disease to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but it is important to know whether this compound modifies levodopa pharmacokinetics. The maintenance of constant plasma concentrations of levodopa abolishes the clinical fluctuations in parkinsonian patients. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to establish the influence of the fiber Plantago ovata husk in the pharmacokinetics of levodopa when administered to Parkinson patients well controlled by their oral medication.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of this fiber on several biochemical parameters. 18 volunteers participated in the study and received alternatively two treatments (Plantago ovata husk or placebo) with their usual levodopa/carbidopa oral dose. On days 0 (initial situation), 14 and 35 of the study, blood samples were taken to assess levodopa pharmacokinetics and to determine biochemical parameters.ResultsLevodopa Cmax was very similar in the initial situation (603.2 ng/ml) and after placebo administration (612.0 ng/ml), being slightly lower (547.8 ng/ml) when Plantago ovata husk was given. AUC was very similar in the three groups: initial situation.- 62.87 μg.min/ml, fiber treatment.- 64.47 μg.min/ml and placebo treatment.- 65.10 μg.min/ml. Fiber reduced significantly the number of peaks observed in the levodopa concentrations, maintaining concentrations more stable. No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk.ConclusionsPlantago ovata husk administration caused a smoothing and homogenization of levodopa absorption, providing more stable concentrations and final higher levels, resulting in a great benefit for patients.Trial registrationEudraCT2006-000491-33

Isolation, characterization and investigation of Plantago ovata husk polysaccharide as superdisintegrant

Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata, Family: Plantaginaceae) contains a high proportion of hemicellulose, composed of a xylan backbone linked with arabinose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid units (arabinoxylans). Polysaccharide was isolated from Psyllium husk using solvent precipitation method. The isolated polysaccharide was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters. The rheological behavior of polysaccharide (1% w/v in water) was studied using Brookfield viscometer. Polysaccharide derived from the husk of P. ovata was investigated as superdisintegrant in the fast dissolving tablets. Valsartan, an antihypertensive drug, was selected as a model drug. The tablets of Valsartan were prepared separately using different concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5% w/w) of isolated Plantago ovata (P. ovata) husk polysaccharide (Natural) and crospovidone as a synthetic superdisintegrant by direct compression method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for various pre-compression and post-compression parameters. The drug excipient interactions were characterized by FTIR studies. The formulation F4 containing7.5% polysaccharide showed rapid wetting time and disintegration time as compared to formulation prepared using synthetic superdisintegrant at the same concentration level. Hence batch F4 was considered as optimized formulation. The stability studies were performed on formulation F4. The disintegration time and in vitro drug release of the optimized formulation was compared with the marketed formulation (Conventional tablets).

THERAPEUTIC USES OF ASPAGHOL (PLANTAGO OVATA) MENTIONED IN GREECO ARAB MEDICINE AND MODERN ERA: A REVIEW

The seeds/husk of Plantago ovata Forsk. from family Plantaginaceae commonly known as Aspaghol Musallam or Suboos - e - Aspaghol are used in Greeco - Arab medicine, other traditional medicine and even modern advanced medicine as herbal drugs. The seeds /husk of Plantago ovata contain hemicelluloses, carbohydrates, protein, tannin, glycosides, fixed oil, linoleic acid, palmetic acids etc. Therapeutic uses of seeds/husk of Asapghol are mentioned in Greeco - Arab medicine are Qabz (Constipation), Warm - e Balg hami, Zaheer (Dysentry), Aanton ki kharash (Intestinal ulcers) , Qurooh - e - Meda wa Isna Ashari, (Peptic ulcers), Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia etc. This article reviews the main reports of the

In vitro -in vivo performance evaluation of treated Plantago ovata husk based fast dissolving tablets of glipizide: Flashtab technology

In vitro -in vivo performance evaluation of treated Plantago ovata husk based fast dissolving tablets of glipizide: Flashtab technology

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC SUPERDISINTEGRANTS FOR FAST DISSOLVING TABLET

In the present study, fast dissolving tablets of Salbutamol sulphate were prepared by direct compression method for better patient compliance and immediate action in asthma. The tablets were prepared by using synthetic superdisintegrants (Croscarmellose sodium and Sodium starch glycolate) and natural superdisintegrant (mucilage of Plantago ovata and Plantago ovata husk powder) at different concentrations as 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 %. The Plantago ovata mucilage was extracted from the seeds of Plantago ovata (Plantaginaceae).The tablets were characterized for weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, wetting time, water absorption ratio, drug content and in vitro dissolution tests. The Drug excipients compatibility study was performed by DSC and IR spectroscopy and no incompatibility was found. The tablets were subjected for accelerated stability study at 40°C /75% RH and were found to be stable. The results clearly shows Natural superdisintegrants requires less disintegration time as compared to synthetic superdisintegrants. Hence present study reveals that the fast dissolving tablets prepared by using mucilage of Plantago ovata and husk powder of Plantago ovata as superdisintegrants having better appearance and rapid disintegration time. Key-words: Fast dissolving tablets, Superdisintegrants, Plantago ovata, Croscarmellose sodium and Sodium starch glycolate.

Psyllium fiber food supplement in the management of stoma patients: results of a comparative prospective study

High ileostomy output may require dietary and pharmacologic manipulation. Psyllium fiber has been used in ileostomy patients because of its role in lipid and glucose absorption [1]. Psyllium fiber is also considered to have antidiarrheal effects, which is why it is sometimes recommended to decrease stoma output. The aim of this comparative non-randomized prospective study was to determine whether treatment with psyllium fiber decreased stoma output. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate whether the use of psyllium fiber had any effect on the number of disposable, single use stoma bags used by each patient. The number of bags used was considered a surrogate of stoma output. The secondary endpoint of this study was to assess the effect of psyllium intake on peristomal dermatitis. The psyllium fiber used was the seed husk of Plantago ovata Forssk., seminis tegumentum (Psyllogel Fibra— Nathura Srl, Montecchio Emilia (RE), Italy). Thirty-eight consecutive ileostomy patients (20 males and 18 females; mean age ± SD 66.3 years ± 10.8 years) referred to the outpatient Ostomates Rehabilitation Center (O.R.C.) at the ‘‘Sapienza,’’ University of Rome, between 2002 and 2007 were enrolled in the study. At the first visit (T0), all patients were instructed about a diet poor in fiber. The recommended diet included bread, pasta and rice, meat and fish, eggs, and aged cheese as well as some fruits like apples, pears, bananas, peaches, and apricots. Tea, barley, jam, honey, and biscuits were also allowed. It was strongly recommended not to eat: raw vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, fennel and celery, any kind of legumes, meat and vegetable soups, fruits such as kiwi, plums, grapes, and figs. The first 20 patients were also prescribed one bag of psyllium fiber (=7 g) between the two main meals and given recommendations about proper hydration, that is, intake of at least 2 l of water daily. These 20 patients were the treatment group, while the following 18 consecutive patients were the control group. The demographic data of the patients included in the study were collected, and the presence of peristomal dermatitis was evaluated and recorded. At T0, an approximate quantification of the daily ileostomy output was made based on the patient’s history taken by a skilled stoma nurse. Patients were instructed to use disposable stoma bags (one piece single use bags with a 340 ml capacity) and to record the number of bags used in a diary. The ileostomy output was evaluated as the number of 340-ml ileostomy bags used per day. The results in number of bags/day were converted into ml. Since the bag is replaced once, it is two-thirds of full each bag recorded was considered as 267 ml. Patients were instructed not to record bags changed because of accidents or social reasons. Patients were invited to come back for a follow-up visit every 2 weeks for 3 months: A final visit was scheduled at 90 days (T1) after study entry. The average ml/patient/day was significantly lower and the decrease in the output between TO and T1 was greater in the treatment group (Table 1). Peristomal dermatitis improved in both groups (Table 2). The latter finding is probably due to better management of the stoma by trained staff during the follow-up period. D. Crocetti F. Velluti (&) V. La Torre E. Orsi L. De Anna F. La Torre Surgery of Rectum and Pelvic Floor Unit, Emergency Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy e-mail: francescovelluti@hotmail.it

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Potential of a High Fiber Diet in Healthy versus Diabetic Rabbits

The aim of this study was to investigate potential hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of Plantago ovata husk included in the diet, in healthy and diabetic rabbits. We also examined the effects of this fiber in other biochemical parameters. Two groups of 18 rabbits were used. The first group was fed with standard chow and the second with chow supplemented with Plantago ovata husk (3.5 mg/kg/day). On day 14 diabetes mellitus was induced by the intravenous administration of alloxan (80 mg/kg). After an oral glucose load (3 g), glucose, insulin, and other biochemical parameters were determined on day 14 (healthy rabbits) and on day 28 (diabetic rabbits). In healthy rabbits, fiber did not modify glucose or insulin levels but decreased significantly total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, and glycosylated hemoglobin. In diabetic rabbits, fiber was more beneficial in mild diabetics than in severe diabetics with significant decreases in glucose levels and increases in insulin concentrations. In these animals fiber caused an important reduction in cholesterol, indicating a beneficial effect of Plantago ovata husk in diabetic rabbits. Although further studies in patients are necessary, we think that Plantago ovata husk offers interesting perspectives to be administered to patients with diabetes mellitus.

Comparative Success of Natural Superdisintegrant over Synthetic Superdisintegrants in Fast Disintegrating Tablets

In the present study, fast disintegrating tablets of Amlodipine Besylate were prepared by direct compression methods for better patient compliance and immediate action in angina. The tablets were prepared by using synthetic superdisintegrants (Crospovidone and Croscarmellose sodium) and natural superdisintegrant (Plantago ovata) at different concentrations. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, Friability, disintegration time, wetting time, dispersion test, drug content and in vitro dissolution tests. The tablets were subjected for stability study at 25°C /60% RH and 40°C/ 75% RH. The results clearly shows Natural superdisintegrant (husk of Plantago ovata) requires less disintegration time as compared to synthetic superdisintegrants. Hence present study reveals that the fast disintegrating tablets prepared by using husk of Plantago ovata as superdisintegrants having better appearance and it having rapid disintegration time.

Polymorphisms in LEP and NPY genes modify the response to soluble fibre Plantago ovata husk intake on cardiovascular risk biomarkers

The satiating effect of fibre consumption has been related to gut hormones, such as peptide YY and leptin. These peptides may also influence cardiovascular (CVD) risk biomarkers. Nevertheless, there is wide interindividual variation in metabolic responses to fibre consumption. The objective was to investigate differences in the effects of soluble fibre, in the form of Plantago ovata husk (Po-husk) treatment, on CVD risk biomarkers according to selected polymorphisms in genes related to satiety. The study was a multi-centred, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel and randomised trial in mild-moderate hypercholesterolaemic patients (age range: 43-67years). Eight polymorphisms in three genes related to satiety (LEP, NPY and PYY) were identified in 178 participants; 88 patients in the placebo (microcrystalline cellulose 14g/day) group and 90 in the Po-husk (14g/day) group, which had added to a low-saturated-fat diet for 8weeks. The CVD biomarkers measured included the following: lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), glucose, insulin, hs-CRP, oxidised LDL and IL-6. Relative to the placebo, Po-husk consumption lowered the plasma total cholesterol concentration by 3.3% according to rs7799039 polymorphism in the LEP gene (p<0.05). Furthermore, the Po-husk reduced systolic BP (mean [95% CI]) by -8mmHg (-14.16; -1.90) and hs-CRP by 24.9% in subjects with the AA genotype of the rs16147 polymorphism in the NPY gene (32% of our total population; p<0.05), which remained significant after Bonferroni correction. In conclusion, polymorphisms in the LEP and NPY genes potentiate the response to Po-husk, particularly the effects on systolic BP and the hs-CRP plasma concentration.

Stool-fermented Plantago ovata husk induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells independently of molecular phenotype

Several studies have suggested that the partially fermentable fibre Plantago ovata husk (PO) may have a protective effect on colorectal cancer (CRC). We studied the potentially pro-apoptotic effect of PO and the implicated mechanisms in CRC cells with different molecular phenotypes (Caco-2, HCT116, LoVo, HT-29, SW480) after PO anaerobic fermentation with colonic bacteria as it occurs in the human colon. The fermentation products of PO induced apoptosis in all primary tumour and metastatic cell lines, independent of p53, adenomatous polyposis coli, β-catenin or cyclo-oxygenase-2 status. Apoptosis was caspase-dependent and both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were implicated. The intrinsic pathway was activated through a shift in the balance towards a pro-apoptotic environment with an up-regulation of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 homologous antagonist killer (BAK) and a down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) seen in HCT116 and LoVo cells. This resulted in mitochondrial membrane depolarisation, increased expression of caspase activators second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac)/Diablo, death effector apoptosis-inducing factor, apoptosome member apoptotic protease activating factor 1 and down-regulation of inhibitors of apoptosis Survivin and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis in most cells. The extrinsic pathway was activated presumably through the up-regulation of death receptor (DR5). Some important differences were seen between primary tumour and metastatic CRC cells. Thus, metastatic PO-treated LoVo cells had a remarkable up-regulation of TNF-α ligand along with death-inducing signalling complex components receptor interacting protein and TNF-α receptor 1-associated death domain protein. The extrinsic pathway modulator FCICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP), an inhibitor of both spontaneous death ligand-independent and death receptor-mediated apoptosis, was significantly down-regulated after PO treatment in all primary tumour cells, but not in metastatic LoVo. These findings suggest that PO could potentially be a useful chemotherapy adjuvant.

Investigations of Plantago ovata husk Powder as a Disintegrating Agent for Development of Famotidine Tablets

The main objective of this study is to explore development of pharmaceutical excipients from the husk obtained from the seeds of Plantago ovata. Husk shows very good swelling property in water due to the major part of mucilage in it. Since swelling is one of the mechanisms of action of some tablet disintegrants, it is thought that the husk powder of Plantago ovata would be able to act as a tablet disintegrant. The powder obtained from the Plantago ovata husk was characterized for micromeritical properties, swelling capacity, hydration capacity, LOD, pH, particle size, foreign particles, ash value and microbial limit tests. Its disintegrant ability in comparison with maize starch was investigated by preparing famotidine tablets via the direct compression method. It was also compared with three marketed tablets of famotidine. The Plantago ovata husk powder, however, showed superior flow, swelling capacity as well as water retention capacity than maize starch. The tablets were characterized for hardness, friability, weight variation, in vitro disintegration study and in vitro dissolution study. The optimized batch F2C comprising of 10% of the Plantago ovata husk powder showed a 15 seconds disintegration time, which was significantly less than tablets prepared from maize starch as well as all three market preparations. Tablets from batch F2C were submitted for short term stability studies and exhibited stable characteristics.

Formulation and evaluation of glipizide-loaded fast-dissolving tablets using husk of Plantago ovata as a superdisintegrant

The objective of the present study was to develop fast-dissolving tablets (FDTs) of glipizide, a sulfonylurea antidiabetic drug. The husk of Plantago ovata and pregelatinized husk of P. ovata were used as disintegrating agents. Microcrystalline cellulose was used as binder and starch (soluble) was used as bulk-forming agent. The powder blends were evaluated for angle of repose, compressibility index and Hausner ratio. The results of angle of repose, compressibility index (%) and Hausner ratio ranged from 24.23±0.57 to 29.34±0.78, 15.76±0.82 to 20.12±1.25 and 1.18±0.011 to 1.25±0.019, respectively. The tablet blends were converted into tablets by using direct compression method. The tablets were evaluated for disintegration test, hardness test, friability test, drug entrapment efficiency, content uniformity tests and drug release study. Formulations, which contained pregelatinized husk of P. ovata as a superdisintegrant, showed faster disintegration, higher percentage friability and lesser hardness than formulations containing husk of P. ovata as a superdisintegrant. Drug entrapment efficiency was found to be uniform among different batches of the tablets and ranged from 97.53±0.52 to 99.72±0.45.The results of content uniformity test of all the batches were found in the official range.The batches containing husk of P. ovata as a superdisintegrant released 15%–27% of glipizide per minute and those containing pregelatinized husk of P. ovata as a superdisintegrant released more than 95% of the drug within a minute.These results revealed that pregelatinized husk of P. ovata can be used as a superdisintegrant for obtaining FDTs.

Formulation and evaluation of glipizide-loaded fast-dissolving tablets using husk of Plantago ovata as a superdisintegrant

Formulation and evaluation of glipizide-loaded fast-dissolving tablets using husk of Plantago ovata as a superdisintegrant

S1272 Differential Regulation of Apoptosis Induction By Plantago Ovata Husk in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Induction of the TNF-Alpha Apoptosis Cascade in Metastatic Cells

S1272 Differential Regulation of Apoptosis Induction By Plantago Ovata Husk in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Induction of the TNF-Alpha Apoptosis Cascade in Metastatic Cells

S1271 Plantago Ovata Husk Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Wnt Signaling Pathway, Crucial Elements Implicated in Colorectal Carcinogenesis

S1271 Plantago Ovata Husk Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Wnt Signaling Pathway, Crucial Elements Implicated in Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Effects ofPlantago ovataHusk on Levodopa (with Carbidopa) Bioavailability in Rabbits with Autonomic Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease. Fiber therapy could be used to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal motility disorders. In a previous study, we showed that slowed gastrointestinal motility modified levodopa pharmacokinetics: area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) decreased and the elimination was delayed. In this study, we evaluated whether or not the hydrosoluble fiber Plantago ovata husk is useful in improving levodopa pharmacokinetics in rabbits with autonomic gastrointestinal disorders induced by the administration of the anticholinergic biperiden. Levodopa + carbidopa (20:5 mg/kg), biperiden (100 microg/kg), and P. ovata husk (at two different doses: 100 and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally to rabbits for two periods of time (7 or 14 days). In all groups of animals, the AUC values were approximately 50% higher on the final day of treatment than on day 1. C(max) was also higher, with the greater increase at the 400 mg/kg dose of fiber, which resulted in a boost of approximately 35%. On day 1 of treatment and with both doses of fiber, AUC values were very similar to those obtained in previous work in rabbits with normal gastrointestinal motility, but the C(max) was lower. However, after 7 or 14 days, the AUC values were higher, but C(max) remained lower. The greatest differences were observed in plasma concentration before drug administration (C(min)), for which the highest increase was obtained with the dose of 400 mg/kg fiber on day 14 of treatment (349.8%). P. ovata husk could be beneficial in patients with Parkinson's disease because it regulates stool transit in the intestine and because it improves levodopa pharmacokinetics when gastrointestinal peristalsis is slowed. These changes could lead to a possible delay in the onset of dyskinesias and to changes in prognosis.

The hydrosoluble fiber Plantago ovata husk improves levodopa (with carbidopa) bioavailability after repeated administration

The influence of treatment duration (7 or 14 days) with Plantago ovata husk/levodopa/carbidopa in the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of levodopa were evaluated in rabbits. Fiber was administered at two different doses, 100 and 400 mg/kg, and the dosage of levodopa/carbidopa was 20:5 mg/kg. These doses were administered once a day. When 100 mg/kg of fiber was administered, the mean AUC value obtained for levodopa increased 20.2% from day 1 to day 7, and 27.2% from day 1 to day 14; C(max) was 8.6% higher on day 7 and 11.7% higher on day 14. When administering 400 mg/kg of fiber, the increase in AUC values was 17.6% on day 7 and 24.9% on day 14, and that of C(max) 11.1% on day 7 and 11.3% on day 14. The concentration determined immediately before drug administration (C(min)) increased progressively with the duration of treatment, and the highest increase (53.2%) was observed on day 14 with 100 mg/kg of fiber. There was also a delay in levodopa elimination (higher MRT and lower Cl) in a fiber-dose dependent manner. In summary, we found that there was an improvement in the extent of levodopa absorbed with higher final concentrations and that levodopa elimination was slower with the administration of P. ovata husk.

Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovatahusk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart disease

Background:New dietary strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk include the addition of fiber to the diet. The effect of soluble-fiber consumption derived from Plantago ovatahusk on lipid risk factors in patients with CVD is unknown.Objective:We compared the effects of soluble fiber (P. ovatahusk) with those of insoluble fiber (P. ovataseeds) on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations within a CVD secondary prevention program.Design:In a randomized, crossover, controlled, single-blind design, 28 men with CVD (myocardial infarction or stable angina) and an LDL-cholesterol concentration ≤3.35 mmol/L consumed for 8 wk, under controlled conditions, a low-saturated-fat diet supplemented with 10.5 g P. ovatahusk/d or 10.5 g P. ovataseeds/d. Fasting plasma lipid concentrations and polymorphisms of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as apo A-IV, apo E, and fatty acid–binding protein, were measured.Results:Plasma triacylglycerol decreased (6.7%; P< 0.02), the ratio of apo B 100 to apo A-I decreased (4.7%; P< 0.02), and apo A-I increased (4.3%; P< 0.01) in the P. ovatahusk consumers. Compared with the intake of insoluble fiber, the intake of P. ovatahusk increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 6.7% (P= 0.006) and decreased the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol and of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 10.6% (P= 0.002) and 14.2% (P= 0.003), respectively.Conclusion:In the secondary prevention of CVD, P. ovatahusk intake induces a more beneficial effect on the cardiovascular lipid risk-factor profile than does an equivalent intake of insoluble fiber.

Hydrosoluble fiber ( Plantago ovata husk) and levodopa II: Experimental study of the pharmacokinetic interaction in the presence of carbidopa

Levodopa combined with carbidopa constitutes one of the most frequent medication in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Plantago ovata husk (water-soluble fiber) improves levodopa absorption conditions, but when this drug is administered with carbidopa, fiber could reduce its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the presence of P. ovata husk modifies in rabbits the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of levodopa (20 mg/kg) when administered by the oral route with carbidopa (5 mg/kg). We have also studied whether pharmacokinetic modifications are fiber–dose dependent (100 and 400 mg/kg). When levodopa and carbidopa were administered with 100 mg/kg P. ovata husk, the value of AUC for levodopa diminishes 29.7% (sign, n = 6, P < 0.05) and C max 28.1% (sign, n = 6, P < 0.05) in relation to the values obtained when these drugs were administered without fiber. If the dose of fiber was 400 mg/kg, the decrease was smaller: 20.4% for AUC (no significant difference) and 24.6% for C max (sign, n = 6, P < 0.05), that may indicate an inhibitory action of AADC by the fiber or any of its partial hydrolysis products. On the other hand, since certain time on, levodopa concentrations are always higher in the groups that receive fiber: 210 min with 100 mg/kg and 150 min with 400 mg/kg. The administration of P. ovata husk with levodopa/carbidopa to patients with Parkinson disease could be beneficial and in particular in those patients who also suffer constipation due to an improvement of levodopa kinetic profile with higher final concentrations, a longer plasma half-life and lower C max.