many plant species for the function of water retention
during dry periods and to tolerate freezing. When
these substances come into contact with water,
mucilages slowly hydrate to form a viscous gel. When
administered to animals, the swelling associated with
mucilage hydration in the gut, has a bulk laxative
action and a soothing effect on the GIT membranes. In
addition, Aucubin a glucoside, also found in
P. lanceolata also has a laxative, antimicrobial and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like effect. Tannins
in P. lanceolata may contribute to the anthelmintic
effect 1 .
In this case, it was speculated that the high
percentage contamination of the bales of lucerne,
with ribwort, was the most probable cause of the
diarrhoea, especially with the history of response
with removal of the contaminated lucerne from the
diet. In such cases, it is recommended that lucerne be
withheld for 2 days after which good quality lucerne,
be slowly reintroduced to the diet.
References
1. 1. A.V. Stewart. 1996. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) – a poten-
tial pasture species. Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland
Association 58: Pg 77–86
2. Y. Najafian, S. S. Hamedi, M.K. Farshchi, Z. Feyzabadi. 2018.
Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern
phytotherapy: a narrative review. Electronic Physician. Volume
10, Issue 2, Pg 6390-6399, ISSN: 2008-5842, DOI: http://dx.doi.
org/10.19082/6390
3. N. Bernedo, M. García, G. Gastaminza, E. Fernández, B.
Bartolomé, J. Algorta, D. Muñoz. 2008. Allergy to laxative
compound (Plantago ovata seed) among health care profes-
sionals. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 18 (3): Pg 181-9.
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