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Botanical Name (Latin): Plantago Psyllium
Sanskrit Name: Sat Isabgol
Common Name (English): Psyllium Seed Husks
Type of Herb: Ayurvedic
Pharmacological Action: Laxative, Demulcent, Expectorant, Emollient, Astringent
Indications (Uses): Chronic Constipation, Colitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Urethritis, Cystitis, Ulcers, Gastritis, Blood Cholesterol LDL Level, High Triglycerides, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Plant Part Used: Husk
Psyllium seed husk (PSH) is obtained from plants of the Plantago genera. Plantago ovata (also known as Isapghula), cultivated mainly in India, is the most abundant source of the world psyllium seed husk.
Psyllium Seeds, Psyllium husk and Psyllium husk powder are categorized under the Natural Herbal medicine. These herbs cure in a natural way without disturbing the natural balance of the body.
PSH has a high content of mucilage polysaccharide that gels over a wide range of concentrations. PSH has long been used as a laxative because of this gelling property. PSH is gaining popularity in the functional and nutraceutical food market because of its hypocholesterolemic effects.
Studies have shown that intake of 10.2 g of PSH per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol significantly lowers the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood.
In October 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the health claim that there is an association between consumption of PSH and reduction in risk of coronary heart disease.
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.
History
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 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 Hypercholesterolemia. 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. Although the cholesterol reducing properties and glycemic response properties of psyllium containing foods are fairly well documented, the effect of long-term inclusion of psyllium in the diet has not been determined. Cases of allergic reaction to psyllium containing cereal have been documented.
Uses
Psyllium is produced mainly for its mucilage content, which is highest in P. ovata. Mucilage describes a group of clear, colorless, gelling agents derived from plants. The mucilage obtained from psyllium comes from the seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling/grinding of the outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to approximately 25% or more (by weight) of the total seed yield. Plantago seed mucilage is often referred to as husk or psyllium husk.
• Laxative
The milled seed mucilage is a white fibrous material that is hydrophilic (water-loving). Upon absorbing water the clear colorless mucilaginous gel that forms, increases in volume by ten-fold or more. Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber, which is not digested by action in the small intestine. The purely mechanical action of psyllium mucilage absorbs excess water while stimulating normal bowel elimination.
• Natural Dietary Fiber
Although its main use has been as a laxative, it is more appropriately termed a true dietary fiber.
The United States is the world's largest importer of psyllium "husk" with over 60% of total imports going to pharmaceutical firms for use in products such as "Metamucil", "Effersyllium" and "Fiberall".
• Food Processing Industry
Psyllium mucilage possesses several other desirable properties. As a thickener, it has been used in ice cream and frozen deserts. 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 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.
• Plant Growth
Technical grade psyllium has been used as a hydro colloidal agent to improve water retention for newly seeded grass areas and to improve transplanting success with woody plants.
• Animal Feed
Psyllium mucilage is also used as a natural dietary fiber for animals. The dehusked seed that remains after the seed coat is milled off is rich in starch and fatty acids and is used in India as chicken feed and as cattle feed.
Amphray offers Psyllium Husk in any Purity, Quality & Mesh Size. Psyllium Husk is packed in 25 kg. /40 kg. Woven Sacks or in Drums or upto One ton Big Bags or as per customers’ requirements.
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