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Psyllium, known as Isabgol or Isphagula
(Botanical name—Plantago Ovata Forsk), and
mainly grown in India was popularised with the
advent of Arabians and Persians in India as early
as 10th Century A.D. under the popular name of
Fleawort or Flea Seed Husk.
Psyllium husk is a 100% natural
product. It is a soluble fiber (is viscous and
forms gel in water). The soluble fiber comes from
the dried husk of the psyllium seed. That is,
psyllium husk is the cleaned dried outer coating
of the Psyllium Seed or Plantago Ovata known in
commerce as Blond Psyllium or Indian Psyllium
or Ishpagula or Isabgol. The outer seed cover
(epidermis) cells contain mucilage that swells
rapidly in water.
The Food and Drug Administration,
U.S.A has endorsed psyllium bran cereal to contain
enough psyllium to reduce the risk of heart disease.
| Origin |
Psyllium is primarily cultivated in India
mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat regions. |
| Chemical Data |
Psyllium husk contains 30% mucilage, mainly
xylose, arabinose and galacturonic acid. It
is a natural product. |
| Properties |
- High affinity to water.
- Totally free from toxicity.
- Swelling index is about 20 times in
volume.
- Chemically inert, acts mechanically
in alimentary canal and is not digested
or absorbed by the body. Has a brooming
effect.
- Non-addictive.
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| Pharmacological Action |
Fiber is an important part of a diet.
Psyllium Husk Fiber has a massaging effect
on the intestinal walls. This effect helps
to maintain the strength and contraction
capacity of the intestinal muscles ensuring
that waste substances are transported easily
through the intestines.
Often constipation or diarrhoea are caused
by lack of fibers in the food. Usually the
junk or highly refined food, too rich in
carbohydrates and very fiber depleted, causes
health problems.
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| Use in Pharmaceutical preparation |
A specific quantity of psyllium husk
is used as ingredient in laxative preparation.
It can also be directly consumed by mixing
1-2 tablespoon with water or any other drink..
The remarkable water-holding properties
of PSYLLUM HUSK makes the content more bulky
both in the small and the large intestine.
This promote the motor activity and make
the peristaltic of the colon more effective.
Also the water-binding capacity of PSYLLIUM
HUSK, makes the content smoother, and eases
the propulsion of the stool, and certainly
also makes defaeceation easier.
PSYLLUM HUSK is without any side effects,
and can be used by diabetics and during
pregnancy.
PSYLLIUM HUSK- a natural product consisting
of white husks from the plantago ovata or
isabgol plant PLANTAGO OVATA with its high
roughage content is effective against constipation,
irritable colon and diarrhoea .
PSYLLIUM HUSK has a cholesterol-reducing
effect. It contains no additive, and is
non addictive
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| Applications in the food
industries |
Psyllium husk can be used in icecream, jams,
beverages, bread, biscuits , waxy rice products,
rice cakes, etc due to its gel forming properties.
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| Effects on food |
Improves softness and body texture.
Prevention of crumbling of solid ingredients
due to moisture retention.
Provides strength as binder and stabiliser
Provides the much needed dietary fiber to
the ‘fiber deficient food’.
Used in breakfast cereals . |
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Psyllium seed
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Psyllium Crop
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