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- Psyllium
- (Plantago ovata, Plantago ispaghula)
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| Common names: Plantago seed Part used and where grown: Psyllium is native to Iran and India and is currently cultivated in these countries. The seeds are used. |
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| Active constituents: Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber
and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of psyllium
are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This forms a
gelatinous mass and keeps the feces hydrated and soft. The resulting bulk stimulates a
reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.1lll
Psyllium, also known as fleawort and fleaseed, because the seeds look like fleas, is derived from the seed coats or husks of various plantain plants, especially those native to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and northern Africa. The leaves of related North American plantain species (Plantago major, P. lanceolata), are important first-aid herbs (see plantain). Psyllium is the primary ingredient in many bulk-producing, nonirritant laxatives, which are milder and much safer treatments for constipation than stimulant laxative herbs such as senna and cascara sagrada. Due to the concerns about regular bowel function while in space, John Glenn and a fellow astronaut took a commercial psyllium product, Metamucil, with them on their nine-day flight aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1998.
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| hemorrhoids | irritable bowel syndrome | diverticular disease |
Recent findings In a triple-blind study (one in which not only subjects and researchers are kept blind, but statisticians as well) of "non-restrained eaters," a psyllium-based supplement was shown to cause a significant increase in the subjective feeling of fullness and a reduction in the consumption of fat and calories. The researchers concluded that psyllium could be useful in weight control diets.
| A clinical trial of a plantain-flour based solution found that it was an effective treatment for dehydration due to acute diarrheal diseases. |
| In a multi-center clinical trial, researchers determined that psyllium supplements might be as effective as mesalamine, a prescription anti-inflammatory drug, for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis, a serious intestinal disorder. |
| Psyllium decreased by about one-third the absorption of a synthetic estrogen administered at the same time to rabbits. |
| Spanish researchers found that psyllium increased the frequency of stools among patients with chronic constipation with or without irritable bowel syndrome. |
| In a study done on fifty patients in 1996, a commercial psyllium product significantly reduced the number of bleeding episodes among patients with internally bleeding hemorrhoids. |
Do scientists know how it works?
Psyllium is a source of both soluble and
insoluble dietary fiber, though it is mostly soluble. The seed husks are rich in the
gelatinous, water-absorbing substance mucilage. Mucilage is not broken down by enzymes in
the digestive tract, nor is it absorbed. Rather, in contact with water it swells and forms
a gel. In cases of diarrhea, mucilage absorbs excess water and slows bowel transit time.
In cases of constipation, mucilage adds bulk to stools, stimulates the walls of the bowels
to contract, and thus speeds bowel transit time. Psyllium's regulation of blood cholesterol and blood sugar
levels may be due to effects on cholesterol-containing bile and the digestion of
carbohydrates.
How much should I take? Many people take 7.5 grams of the seeds or 5 grams of the husks one to two times per day, with water or juice. It’s important to maintain adequate fluid intake when using psyllium.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Using psyllium in recommended amounts is generally safe. People with chronic constipation should seek the advice of a health care professional. Side effects, such as allergic skin and respiratory reactions to psyllium dust, have largely been limited to people working in plants manufacturing psyllium products.
Types of products
Psyllium is sold in powders and capsules. It is sometimes
combined with digestive regulators such as bifidus. It is also available in formulas and
combination products for detoxification, colon health, and constipation.
| Safety Psyllium is considered safe and nontoxic when used properly. A few people may experience flatulence or upset stomach when taking psyllium. Always drink plenty of water with psyllium to promote its therapeutic effects and to prevent it from causing choking or intestinal blockage. Psyllium shouldn't be used by anyone with any kind of bowel narrowing or obstruction. Avoid psyllium during pregnancy. A very few people may develop allergic reactions to psyllium, although this problem is more common among workers in the psyllium industry exposed to it much more extensively. Taking psyllium at the same time as medications can delay or decrease the latter's absorption. |
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