Psyllium

Psyllium

With special thanks to Nicola Newton

Latin Name: Plantago afra/ Plantago indica
Family: Plantaginacea

Part used: Leaf/seeds
Energetics: Mildly astringent, Bland, Cool and Moist.
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Caution use: In cases of bowel obstruction or narrowing of any part of the digestive tract.
  • Diabetes if blood sugar regulation is unstable.
  • Taking with insufficient water can lead to blockage in oesophagus and cause choking
  • Not recommended in patients with difficulties swallowing.

ACTIONS

  • Leaf: Astringent, Alterative, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Demulcent, Refrigerant, Detoxifying, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic,.
  • Seed: Emollient laxative, Demulcent.

Main Constituents

  • Xylose (57%)
  • Arabinose (22%)
  • Uronic acid (10-15%) with small amounts of Galactose, Rhamnose, Glucose and Manose
  • It is a highly branched Arabinoxylan with a high molecular weight which is why it does not dissolve in water, and instead forms a gel like paste when hydrated.

Main Uses

Digestive System: Constipation, Diarrhea, IBS, Improves digestion and cleanses the system, Makes up fibre intake in low carb diets, Diverticular disease, Used in cases of anal fissures and often recommended following anal surgery.
Circulatory System: Hemorrhoids, Lowered cholesterol, Diabetes
Endocrine System: Weight Loss (reduces appetite and enhances satitety)

More About Psyllium

Psyllium is a natural water soluble gel reducing material that has been used traditionally in China and India as herbal medicine to treat bladder problems, high blood pressure and skin irritations amongst others. The swelling and gelatinous mass properties make it suitable for specific drug delivery systems as well as absorption.
Consumption has been found to provide nutritional benefits such as the capacity to reduce the glycaemic index to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, raised cholesterol and constipation, therefore interest has risen twofold in this herb.
It can be used as a natural alternative to other gums and hydrocolloids considered additives and also can be used to improve the nutritional properties of the products which it is incorporated, however for this purpose it is necessary to add great quantities of psyllium.

    References


    Constipation

    The Effect of Psyllium Husk on Intestinal Microbiota in Constipated Patients and Healthy Controls
    In summary, psyllium supplementation increased stool water and this was associated with significant changes in microbiota, most marked in constipated patients.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30669509/

    Lipoprotein/Cholesterol

    Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
    Psyllium fiber effectively improves conventional and alternative lipids markers, potentially delaying the process of atherosclerosis-associated CVD risk in those with or without hypercholesterolemia.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30239559/

    Constipation

    The effects of psyllium husk on gut microbiota composition and function in chronically constipated women of reproductive age using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.
    In conclusion, these findings suggest that the composition of gut microbiota was altered and that symptoms of constipation were alleviated via psyllium husk intervention.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34081625/

    Back to top