Psyllium Husk is derived from the seed of the Plantago Ovata (Psyllium) Plant. Plantago ovata (Psyllium) is an annual crop and is cultivated in the Northwestern region of India in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and some parts of Madhya pradesh.

Psyllium has a long history of use throughout the world. Psyllium has been used in traditional medicine in India and finds mention in ancient Indian Ayurvedic prescriptions.

Psyllium Husk is used as laxative, demulcent, expectorant, emolient, astringent and in treatment of chronic constipation, colitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, urethritis, cystitis, ulcers, gastritis, Blood Cholesterol LDL Level, High triglycerides, Irritable bowel syndrome.

Recent studies have shown that an intake of 10.2 g of Psyllium Husk per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol significantly lower the blood total- and LDL-cholesterol levels. Since Oct 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the health claim on the association between consumption of Psyllium Husk and reduction in risk of coronary heart disease.

Psyllium stalks contain tiny seeds, also called Psyllium, covered by husks, which are the parts used in foods. Psyllium's total dietary content -- 86 percent -- is made up of 71 percent soluble fiber and 15 percent insoluble fiber. This compares to 15 percent total fiber and only five percent soluble fiber for oat bran. The soluble fiber in one tablespoon of Psyllium is equal to 14 tablespoons of oat bran. For this reason, in contrast to oats, Psyllium is added in relatively small quantities to other cereal grains to make food products.

Studies show that Psyllium (12 grams per day) lowers total cholesterol by about 5 percent, similar to that observed for oats.

In several studies conducted, researchers found that seriously obese women who took few teaspoons of Psyllium with water before meals lost more weight than those who did not.

According to Ayurved and Unani System of medicine, Psyllium is cooling, soothing & softening substance and prevents acidity.

• High affinity to water
• Completely Natural
• Non - Toxic
• Purely mechanical action (body does not assimilate it)
• Non - Habit forming
  

In addition to Psyllium Husk being in itself directly consumable natural fiber to treat constipation, acidity and score of bowel related problems, it finds several other uses and applications commercially. There are various commercial uses of Psyllium Husk in food, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Psyllium can be used as a wonder product in health drinks, beverages, ice cream, bread, biscuits, other bakery products, rice cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast cereals etc., to improve the fiber content of the food as also to increase the bulk of the food.

It is being used as a thickener in ice cream and frozen deserts. The viscosity of Psyllium mucilage dispersions are relatively unaffected between temperatures of 68 to 122°F, by pH from 2 to 10 and by salt (sodium chloride) concentrations up to 0.15 M. These properties in combination with psyllium's natural fiber characteristic may lead to increased use by the food processing industry

Psyllium Husk may also be added to fresh fruit drinks or flavoured drinks to improve the mouth-feel of the drink and make it more rich and impart good consistency to it.

Psyllium has been used worldwide in traditional medicine, in India finds its mention is ancient Indian Ayurvedic prescriptions. Psyllium Husk is mainly used for its following medicinal benefits : As a natural laxative to cure constipation and related problems. As an aid in lowering cholesterol levels in blood.

Recent interest in Psyllium has arisen primarily due to its use in high fiber breakfast cereals and from claims that these high fiber cereals containing Psyllium are effective in reducing cholesterol. Several studies point to a cholesterol reduction attributed to a diet that includes dietary fiber such as Psyllium. Research reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that the use of soluble-fiber cereals is an effective and well-tolerated part of a prudent diet for the treatment of mild to moderate Hypercholesterollaemia. Research also indicates that Psyllium incorporated into food products is more effective at reducing blood glucose response than use of a soluble fiber supplement that is separate from the food.

For ref., read the below-appended Article on American Heart Association comments on: FDA approval of Psyllium health claim:

ON TUESDAY, FEB. 17, 1998, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, U.S.A. GAVE PERMISSION TO ALLOW KELLOGG AND OTHER FOOD MANUFACTURES TO MAKE A HEALTH CLAIM ON THE PACKAGING OF FOOD PRODUCTS REGARDING A PLANT FIBER CALLED PSYLLIUM. THE CLAIM READS: "EATING SOLUBLE FIBER FROM FOODS SUCH AS PSYLLIUM AS PART OF A DIET LOW IN SATURATED FAT AND CHOLESTEROL MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE".

pharmaceutical and Ayurvedic companies are finding out more and more uses of this wonder-herb from India.