“PSYLLIUM or PSYLLIUM HUSK or ISPAGHULA” is a soluble fibre, which is derived from the seed of a shrub like herb called Plantagoovata. The plant is primarily cultivated in Western India with major contribution coming from the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Psyllium Husk is used mainly as a gentle bulk forming laxative and as a source of dietary fibre supplement.
Psyllium Husk Benefits
The husk is known for its beneficial physiological functions and offers huge promises in health management and also in reduction of risks associated with some chronic diseases. The soluble fibre of psyllium husk can help lower cholesterol and relieve constipation and diarrhoea. Research by various eminent scientific research groups worldwide support the usefulness of Ispaghula in the following diseased conditions:
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Diabetes
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Amoebic and bacillary dysentery
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Intestinal inflammation
- Obesity
- Colorectal cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
Apart from medicinal benefits, the mucilage derived from the ispaghula husk is constantly being explored for various applications as binders in tablets and for development of novel drug delivery systems. There are increasing reports on development of variety of promising novel excipients derived from various polysaccharides of Ispaghula.