Ispaghula

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɪspəˈɡuːlə/

Definitions

1. A type of plant noted for its high fiber content that is beneficial for digestive health and often used to alleviate constipation and promote bowel regularity
2. This particular plant is recognized for its mucilaginous properties which assist in digestion and are frequently used to help relieve symptoms of constipation and enhance gut health
3. A plant known for its seeds that provide dietary roughage supporting regular bowel movements and easing constipation

Etymology: Ispaghula is the name of a plant whose seeds are prized for the gel they form in water, and the name itself is a compound that literally means "horse ear." The Persian "asp" means horse, and "ġōl" means ear. The name refers to the shape of the seeds, which are small, flat, and roughly resemble a horse's ear. The word was borrowed into English from Urdu, where the form "ispaġol" was used, and that Urdu word came from Classical Persian "ispaġōl." The plant has long been grown on the Indian subcontinent, and its name travelled with the seeds and their medicinal use, so English speakers encountered the term through South Asian trade and pharmacy rather than through European classical sources.

Synonyms: psyllium, plantago