Genus ( / ˈ dʒ iː n ə s / ; pl. : genera / ˈ dʒ ɛ n ər ə / ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family as used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses . In binomial nomenclature , the genus name forms the first part of the binomial species name for each species within the genus.
59-448: Plantago Coronopus Bougeria Psyllium Littorella Psyllium Mill. Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae , commonly called plantains or fleaworts . The common name plantain is shared with the unrelated cooking plantain . Most are herbaceous plants , though a few are subshrubs growing to 60 centimetres (24 inches) tall. The leaves are sessile or have
118-459: A legal settlement required the manufacturer of psyllium supplements to pay US$ 110,000 and agree to place warning labels on products exceeding acceptable lead levels Psyllium fiber dietary supplements are used in veterinary medicine to treat sand impaction in horses to aid in elimination of sand from the horse's colon. Fiber generally has few side effects. Psyllium can cause allergic reactions , including anaphylaxis . Psyllium may act as
177-557: A species : see Botanical name and Specific name (zoology) . The rules for the scientific names of organisms are laid down in the nomenclature codes , which allow each species a single unique name that, for animals (including protists ), plants (also including algae and fungi ) and prokaryotes ( bacteria and archaea ), is Latin and binomial in form; this contrasts with common or vernacular names , which are non-standardized, can be non-unique, and typically also vary by country and language of usage. Except for viruses ,
236-726: A thickener in ice cream and other frozen desserts. A 1.5% weight/volume ratio of psyllium mucilage exhibits binding properties that are superior to a 10% weight/volume ratio of starch mucilage. The viscosity of psyllium mucilage dispersions are relatively unaffected between temperatures of 20 and 50 °C (68 and 122 °F), by pH from 2 to 10, and by salt (sodium chloride) concentrations up to 0.15 M. Psyllium seed husks can also be used to improve texture in gluten-free baked goods, to bind meatballs , and to thicken sauces. Some people use them to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome . Dietary supplements containing psyllium are sold mainly to aid weight loss , although there
295-651: A later homonym of a validly published name is a nomen illegitimum or nom. illeg. ; for a full list refer to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants and the work cited above by Hawksworth, 2010. In place of the "valid taxon" in zoology, the nearest equivalent in botany is " correct name " or "current name" which can, again, differ or change with alternative taxonomic treatments or new information that results in previously accepted genera being combined or split. Prokaryote and virus codes of nomenclature also exist which serve as
354-628: A long time and redescribed as new by a range of subsequent workers, or if a range of genera previously considered separate taxa have subsequently been consolidated into one. For example, the World Register of Marine Species presently lists 8 genus-level synonyms for the sperm whale genus Physeter Linnaeus, 1758, and 13 for the bivalve genus Pecten O.F. Müller, 1776. Within the same kingdom, one generic name can apply to one genus only. However, many names have been assigned (usually unintentionally) to two or more different genera. For example,
413-463: A modest improvement for people classified as pre-diabetic. A 2019 meta-analysis found that use of supplemental psyllium for 8 weeks or longer reduced blood pressure by 2 mmHg in people with hypertension . Psyllium supplements have been found to contain lead , in some cases exceeding levels requiring a warning label by Proposition 65 of the U.S. state of California. In 2013, in California,
472-406: A month or longer may produce a small reduction in systolic blood pressure . The plants from which the seeds are extracted tolerate damp and cool climates, and are mainly cultivated in northern India . Psyllium is produced mainly for its mucilage content. The term mucilage describes a group of clear, colorless, gelling agents derived from plants. The mucilage obtained from psyllium comes from
531-429: A poorly defined petiole . They have three or five parallel veins that diverge in the wider part of the leaf. Leaves are broad or narrow, depending on the species. The inflorescences are borne on stalks typically 5–40 centimetres (2– 15 + 1 ⁄ 2 inches) tall, and can be a short cone or a long spike, with numerous tiny wind-pollinated flowers . The boundaries of the genus Plantago have been fairly stable, with
590-686: A potent inhalant allergen capable of eliciting asthma symptoms. Health care professionals at geriatric care hospitals, who are frequently exposed to psyllium in the laxatives administered to people, are commonly IgE sensitized to psyllium (13.8%), and 8.6% have clinical allergy to psyllium. In order to protect sensitized workers, psyllium has an extremely low occupational exposure limit of 150 ng/m . The genus Plantago contains over 200 species. P. ovata and P. psyllium are produced commercially in several European countries, Russia and surrounding countries, and India . Plantago seed, known commercially as black, French, or Spanish psyllium,
649-476: A product label: "Psyllium husk may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, although the FDA has concluded that there is very little scientific evidence for this claim." A meta-analysis published after the FDA decision reported that psyllium provided before meals improved fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin , but that the larger effect was seen in people diagnosed with and being treated for type 2 diabetes, and only
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#1732772670668708-409: A reference for designating currently accepted genus names as opposed to others which may be either reduced to synonymy, or, in the case of prokaryotes, relegated to a status of "names without standing in prokaryotic nomenclature". An available (zoological) or validly published (botanical) name that has been historically applied to a genus but is not regarded as the accepted (current/valid) name for
767-474: A significant loss in viability after 2 years in storage. Introduced in 1934 by G.D. Searle & Company , Metamucil was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 1985. The name is a combination of the Greek word for change (meta) and the class of fiber that it utilizes (mucilage). In its early years, Metamucil achieved sporadic drug-store distribution as a "behind the counter" product – sold in pharmacies but not on
826-427: A taxon; however, the names published in suppressed works are made unavailable via the relevant Opinion dealing with the work in question. In botany, similar concepts exist but with different labels. The botanical equivalent of zoology's "available name" is a validly published name . An invalidly published name is a nomen invalidum or nom. inval. ; a rejected name is a nomen rejiciendum or nom. rej. ;
885-455: A total of c. 520,000 published names (including synonyms) as at end 2019, increasing at some 2,500 published generic names per year. "Official" registers of taxon names at all ranks, including genera, exist for a few groups only such as viruses and prokaryotes, while for others there are compendia with no "official" standing such as Index Fungorum for fungi, Index Nominum Algarum and AlgaeBase for algae, Index Nominum Genericorum and
944-407: A well-developed tap root with few fibrous secondary roots. A large number of flowering shoots arise from the base of the plant. Flowers are numerous, small, and white. Plants flower about 60 days after planting. The seeds are enclosed in capsules that open at maturity. The fields are generally irrigated prior to seeding to achieve ideal soil moisture, to enhance seed soil contact, and to avoid burying
1003-474: Is astringent , anti- toxic , antimicrobial , anti-inflammatory , anti-histamine , as well as demulcent , expectorant , styptic and diuretic . Externally, a poultice of the leaves is useful for insect bites, poison-ivy rashes, minor sores, and boils . In folklore it is even claimed to be able to cure snakebite and was used by the Dakota Indian tribe of North America for this. Internally, it
1062-612: Is discouraged by both the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants , there are some five thousand such names in use in more than one kingdom. For instance, A list of generic homonyms (with their authorities), including both available (validly published) and selected unavailable names, has been compiled by the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera (IRMNG). The type genus forms
1121-431: Is little scientific evidence for such effects. A 2023 review concluded that psyllium supplementation for 12 weeks by people who were overweight or obese produced a minor amount of weight loss, although the studies assessed had only moderate to low evidence quality. Psyllium is mainly used as a viscous , soluble dietary fiber that is not absorbed by the small intestine . The mechanical action of psyllium mucilage
1180-420: Is more effective than docusate . A 2022 review found that psyllium, in doses of 10 grams per day for at least 4 weeks, was more effective than osmotic or stimulant laxatives for increasing the number of bowel movements per week. In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a health claim on food labels for dietary psyllium as a soluble fiber – if consumed regularly – that would reduce
1239-431: Is normally achieved by one or two hand weedings early in the growing season. Control of weeds by pre-plant irrigation that germinates weed seeds followed by shallow tillage may be effective on fields with minimal weed pressure. Psyllium is a poor competitor with most weed species. Plantago wilt ( Fusarium oxysporum ) and downy mildew ( Peronospora alta ) are the major diseases of Isabgol. White grubs and aphids are
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#17327726706681298-481: Is obtained by grinding off the husk . This mucilage, also known as psyllium , is commonly sold as Isabgol , a laxative which is used to control irregular bowel syndrome and constipation. It has been used as an indigenous Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a whole range of bowel problems. Psyllium supplements are typically used in powder form, along with adequate amounts of fluids. A dose of at least 7 grams daily taken with adequate amounts of fluid (water, juice)
1357-604: Is obtained from P. psyllium , also known as P. arenaria . Seed produced from P. ovata is known in trading circles as white or blonde psyllium, Indian plantago, or isabgol. Isabgol is the common name in India for P. ovata . India dominates the world market in the production and export of psyllium. Plantago ovata is an annual herb that grows to a height of 30–46 cm (12–18 in). Leaves are opposite, linear or linear lanceolate 1 cm × 19 cm (0.39 in × 7.48 in). The root system has
1416-544: Is restricted. Currently this is not a viable option in any significant scale due to agronomic difficulties. As Old English Wegbrade the plantago is one of the nine plants invoked in the pagan Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm , recorded in the 10th century. Genus The composition of a genus is determined by taxonomists . The standards for genus classification are not strictly codified, so different authorities often produce different classifications for genera. There are some general practices used, however, including
1475-460: Is somewhat arbitrary. Although all species within a genus are supposed to be "similar", there are no objective criteria for grouping species into genera. There is much debate among zoologists about whether enormous, species-rich genera should be maintained, as it is extremely difficult to come up with identification keys or even character sets that distinguish all species. Hence, many taxonomists argue in favor of breaking down large genera. For instance,
1534-474: Is the type species , and the generic name is permanently associated with the type specimen of its type species. Should the specimen turn out to be assignable to another genus, the generic name linked to it becomes a junior synonym and the remaining taxa in the former genus need to be reassessed. In zoological usage, taxonomic names, including those of genera, are classified as "available" or "unavailable". Available names are those published in accordance with
1593-463: Is to absorb excess water while stimulating normal bowel elimination. Although its main use has been as a laxative , it is more accurately regarded as a dietary fiber to reduce the symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea . The laxative properties of psyllium are attributed to the fiber: it absorbs water and subsequently softens the stool. It increases flatulence (gas) to some degree. Psyllium reduces straining during defecation by increasing
1652-472: Is used by some for management of elevated cholesterol. There are a number of psyllium products used for constipation . The usual dose is about 3.5 grams twice a day. Psyllium is also a component of several ready-to-eat cereals. In Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Russia, leaves from Plantago major are used as a folk remedy to preventing infection on cuts and scratches because of its antiseptic properties. In Slovenia and other Central European regions,
1711-530: Is used for coughs and bronchitis , as a tea , tincture , or syrup . Tea made from the leaves may help cure diarrhea. Plantain seed husks expand and become mucilaginous when wet, especially those of P. psyllium , which is used in common over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplement products such as Metamucil . P. psyllium seed is useful for constipation , irritable bowel syndrome , dietary fiber supplementation, and diverticular disease . Mucilage from desert indianwheat ( P. ovata )
1770-621: The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature ; the earliest such name for any taxon (for example, a genus) should then be selected as the " valid " (i.e., current or accepted) name for the taxon in question. Consequently, there will be more available names than valid names at any point in time; which names are currently in use depending on the judgement of taxonomists in either combining taxa described under multiple names, or splitting taxa which may bring available names previously treated as synonyms back into use. "Unavailable" names in zoology comprise names that either were not published according to
1829-824: The International Plant Names Index for plants in general, and ferns through angiosperms, respectively, and Nomenclator Zoologicus and the Index to Organism Names for zoological names. Totals for both "all names" and estimates for "accepted names" as held in the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera (IRMNG) are broken down further in the publication by Rees et al., 2020 cited above. The accepted names estimates are as follows, broken down by kingdom: The cited ranges of uncertainty arise because IRMNG lists "uncertain" names (not researched therein) in addition to known "accepted" names;
Plantago - Misplaced Pages Continue
1888-404: The platypus belongs to the genus Ornithorhynchus although George Shaw named it Platypus in 1799 (these two names are thus synonyms ) . However, the name Platypus had already been given to a group of ambrosia beetles by Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst in 1793. A name that means two different things is a homonym . Since beetles and platypuses are both members of the kingdom Animalia,
1947-515: The FDA-allowed health claim, one serving of a manufactured food or dietary supplement must contain at least 1.7 g of psyllium as soluble fiber. Whole oats , barley and foods containing beta-glucan soluble fiber were included as eligible sources for the label claim. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a qualified health claim for psyllium as a possible benefit for people with diabetes , requiring FDA-approved wording on
2006-473: The French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656–1708) is considered "the founder of the modern concept of genera". The scientific name (or the scientific epithet) of a genus is also called the generic name ; in modern style guides and science, it is always capitalised. It plays a fundamental role in binomial nomenclature , the system of naming organisms , where it is combined with the scientific name of
2065-442: The base for higher taxonomic ranks, such as the family name Canidae ("Canids") based on Canis . However, this does not typically ascend more than one or two levels: the order to which dogs and wolves belong is Carnivora ("Carnivores"). The numbers of either accepted, or all published genus names is not known precisely; Rees et al., 2020 estimate that approximately 310,000 accepted names (valid taxa) may exist, out of
2124-492: The bulk of stools, thereby facilitating the transit of stools in the colon. When used to treat constipation, psyllium is taken in doses of 3.5–11 grams per day twice daily. A 2021 review of over-the-counter treatments for constipation concluded that psyllium has modest effect in treating constipation and is generally safe and well-tolerated. Psyllium may be less effective compared to other products, such as polyethylene glycol , lactulose or fruits like prunes . Psyllium
2183-446: The form "author, year" in zoology, and "standard abbreviated author name" in botany. Thus in the examples above, the genus Canis would be cited in full as " Canis Linnaeus, 1758" (zoological usage), while Hibiscus , also first established by Linnaeus but in 1753, is simply " Hibiscus L." (botanical usage). Each genus should have a designated type , although in practice there is a backlog of older names without one. In zoology, this
2242-737: The generic name (or its abbreviated form) still forms the leading portion of the scientific name, for example, Canis lupus lupus for the Eurasian wolf subspecies, or as a botanical example, Hibiscus arnottianus ssp. immaculatus . Also, as visible in the above examples, the Latinised portions of the scientific names of genera and their included species (and infraspecies, where applicable) are, by convention, written in italics . The scientific names of virus species are descriptive, not binomial in form, and may or may not incorporate an indication of their containing genus; for example,
2301-432: The idea that a newly defined genus should fulfill these three criteria to be descriptively useful: Moreover, genera should be composed of phylogenetic units of the same kind as other (analogous) genera. The term "genus" comes from Latin genus , a noun form cognate with gignere ('to bear; to give birth to'). The Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus popularized its use in his 1753 Species Plantarum , but
2360-633: The largest component, with 23,236 ± 5,379 accepted genus names, of which 20,845 ± 4,494 are angiosperms (superclass Angiospermae). By comparison, the 2018 annual edition of the Catalogue of Life (estimated >90% complete, for extant species in the main) contains currently 175,363 "accepted" genus names for 1,744,204 living and 59,284 extinct species, also including genus names only (no species) for some groups. The number of species in genera varies considerably among taxonomic groups. For instance, among (non-avian) reptiles , which have about 1180 genera,
2419-414: The leaves were traditionally used topically as a cure for blisters resulting from friction (such as caused by tight shoes etc.). There may also be a use for plantains in the abatement of enteric methane from ruminants , as the natural compounds present (e.g. condensed tannins ; ~14 g/kg DM), affect the acetate-propionate ratio in the rumen , which is a primary mechanism by which methanogenesis
Plantago - Misplaced Pages Continue
2478-415: The lizard genus Anolis has been suggested to be broken down into 8 or so different genera which would bring its ~400 species to smaller, more manageable subsets. Psyllium seed husks Psyllium ( / ˈ s ɪ l i əm / ), or ispaghula ( / ˌ ɪ s p ə ˈ ɡ uː l ə / ), is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for
2537-457: The main question being whether to include Bougueria (one species from the Andes ) and Littorella (2–3 species of aquatic plants). There are about 200 species of Plantago , including: The genus name Plantago descends from the classical Latin name plantago , which in classical Latin meant some Plantago species, including Plantago major and Plantago media . In Latin the name
2596-492: The major insect pests. The flower spikes turn reddish brown at ripening, the lower leaves dry and the upper leaves yellow. The crop is harvested in the morning after the dew is gone to minimize shattering and field losses. In India, mature plants are cut 15 cm above the ground and then bound, left for a few days to dry, thrashed, and winnowed . Harvested seed must be dried to below 12% moisture to allow for cleaning, milling, and storage. Seed stored for future crops has shown
2655-403: The most (>300) have only 1 species, ~360 have between 2 and 4 species, 260 have 5–10 species, ~200 have 11–50 species, and only 27 genera have more than 50 species. However, some insect genera such as the bee genera Lasioglossum and Andrena have over 1000 species each. The largest flowering plant genus, Astragalus , contains over 3,000 species. Which species are assigned to a genus
2714-428: The name could not be used for both. Johann Friedrich Blumenbach published the replacement name Ornithorhynchus in 1800. However, a genus in one kingdom is allowed to bear a scientific name that is in use as a generic name (or the name of a taxon in another rank) in a kingdom that is governed by a different nomenclature code. Names with the same form but applying to different taxa are called "homonyms". Although this
2773-479: The production of mucilage . Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea , and occasionally as a food thickener . Allergy to psyllium is common in workers frequently exposed to the substance. Use of psyllium in the diet for three weeks or longer may lower blood cholesterol levels in people with elevated cholesterol, and may lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes . Use of psyllium for
2832-541: The provisions of the ICZN Code, e.g., incorrect original or subsequent spellings, names published only in a thesis, and generic names published after 1930 with no type species indicated. According to "Glossary" section of the zoological Code, suppressed names (per published "Opinions" of the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature) remain available but cannot be used as the valid name for
2891-463: The risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol . Clinical research demonstrated that seven grams or more per day of soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk would sufficiently lower total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with hypercholesterolemia , two accepted biomarkers for risk of coronary heart disease . The findings were later confirmed in a meta-analysis that incorporated more evidence. To be eligible for
2950-434: The seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling (i.e. grinding) of the outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to about 25% (by weight) of the total seed yield. Plantago-seed mucilage is often referred to as husk , or psyllium husk. The milled seed mucilage is a white fibrous material that is hydrophilic , meaning that its molecular structure causes it to attract and bind to water. Psyllium has been used as
3009-552: The seed too deeply as a result of later irrigations or rainfall. Maximum germination occurs at a seeding depth of 6 mm (1/4 in). Emerging seedlings are frost sensitive; therefore, planting should be delayed until conditions are expected to remain frost free. Seed is broadcast at 5.5 to 8.25 kg/hectare (5 to 7.5 lb/acre) in India. In Arizonan trials, seeding rates of 22 to 27.5 kg/ha (20 to 25 lb/acre) resulted in stands of 1 plant/25mm (1 inch) in 15 cm (6 inch) rows produced excellent yields. Weed control
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#17327726706683068-404: The shelf, so that the pharmacist may counsel the purchaser on correct usage. Since 1974, the brand was also marketed to consumers by print and TV advertising and became available in food outlets. Flavored versions were added in 1979. The brand is sold as powdered drink mixes , capsules, gummies, and wafers in a variety of flavors. Metamucil contains psyllium seed husks as the active ingredient. It
3127-729: The side of roads. Plantains are used as food plants by the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera ( butterfly and moth ). Plantain has been consumed as human food since prehistory . For example, archaeological recovery along California 's Central Coast has demonstrated use of this species as a food since the Millingstone Horizon . The broad-leaved varieties are sometimes used as a leaf vegetable for salads , green sauce , and so on. Tender young plantain leaves can be eaten raw and older leaves can be cooked. The seeds can be cooked like rice. Plantago species have been used since prehistoric times as herbal remedies . The herb
3186-497: The specific name particular to the wolf. A botanical example would be Hibiscus arnottianus , a particular species of the genus Hibiscus native to Hawaii. The specific name is written in lower-case and may be followed by subspecies names in zoology or a variety of infraspecific names in botany . When the generic name is already known from context, it may be shortened to its initial letter, for example, C. lupus in place of Canis lupus . Where species are further subdivided,
3245-412: The standard format for a species name comprises the generic name, indicating the genus to which the species belongs, followed by the specific epithet, which (within that genus) is unique to the species. For example, the gray wolf 's scientific name is Canis lupus , with Canis ( Latin for 'dog') being the generic name shared by the wolf's close relatives and lupus (Latin for 'wolf') being
3304-403: The taxon is termed a synonym ; some authors also include unavailable names in lists of synonyms as well as available names, such as misspellings, names previously published without fulfilling all of the requirements of the relevant nomenclatural code, and rejected or suppressed names. A particular genus name may have zero to many synonyms, the latter case generally if the genus has been known for
3363-576: The values quoted are the mean of "accepted" names alone (all "uncertain" names treated as unaccepted) and "accepted + uncertain" names (all "uncertain" names treated as accepted), with the associated range of uncertainty indicating these two extremes. Within Animalia, the largest phylum is Arthropoda , with 151,697 ± 33,160 accepted genus names, of which 114,387 ± 27,654 are insects (class Insecta). Within Plantae, Tracheophyta (vascular plants) make up
3422-429: The virus species " Salmonid herpesvirus 1 ", " Salmonid herpesvirus 2 " and " Salmonid herpesvirus 3 " are all within the genus Salmonivirus ; however, the genus to which the species with the formal names " Everglades virus " and " Ross River virus " are assigned is Alphavirus . As with scientific names at other ranks, in all groups other than viruses, names of genera may be cited with their authorities, typically in
3481-732: Was formed from the classical Latin word planta = "sole of the foot". The name was so formed in Latin because the leaves of these species grow out near flat at ground level. The suffix -ago in Latin means "a sort of". The species are found all over the world, including the Americas , Asia , Australia , New Zealand , Africa and Europe . Many species in the genus are cosmopolitan weeds. They are found in many different habitats , most commonly in wet areas like seepages or bogs . They can also be found in alpine and semi-alpine or coastal areas. The cosmopolitan weeds can be frequently seen at
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