Psyllium husk is white fibrous material derived from psyllium seeds. It  is an effective product with varieties of uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products industries. Psyllium Husk consists of the epidermis and the collapsed adjacent layers removed from the dried ripe seeds of Plantago Ovata. Psyllium husk contains huge amount of soluble and insoluble natural fibers responsible for it's laxative action.

Properties :
It acts as a demulcent, cooling, laxative, mild purgative, natural lubricant, other parasitic motile bacteria are useful in the treatment of inflammatory affection.

Specifications :

Mechanism of Action / Pharmacology :
Psyllium contains up to 70% of soluble and 30% of insoluble fibers. Recent study report of USFDA states that regular intake of psyllium husk effectively reduces constipation, cholesterol level, diabetes and can be used in colon cancer. 

When psyllium Husk is mixed with water or other liquids like juice, it forms a gel like gelatinous mass It moves down the digestive organ soaking up toxins and harmful residues, it flushes out toxins of the body through stools.

Soluble fibers content of Psyllium husk has ability to bind with bile acids - an important player in digestion of  fats found in our body from cholesterol. This process lowers circulating blood cholesterol level, by excretion of those facts.

Applications :

• IN CONSTIPATION :
  It increases the passage to the bowel content through formation of bond water. Psyllium contains gel-forming fibers composed of micro-polysaccharides and cellulose.
  
  This plant starch is hydrophilic in nature, hence they add moisture and bulk to stool in colon. The gel like starch softens the feces making hardened stool easier to eliminate without any kind of damage to bowel wall.
  
  The mucilage forms a temporary gelatinous layer that protects intestinal walls from irritation caused by caustic material in the intestine,. Thus allowing the repair of adjoining tissues.

• IN DIARRHOEA :
  The mucilage contents forms bond with water and hence creates a surface of mucous membrane, forming a sticky masses, which are not easily distributed. Hence this avoids watery outlet during diarrhoea and dysentery.

• IN CHOLESTEROL CONTROL :
  The content has cellulose fiber, which is responsible for decreasing the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream. They also add the filling of fullness without adding calories.

• IN DIABETES :
  The fiber content reduces the release of dietary sugar from the digestive tract into the blood stream, thus assisting in the stabilization of blood sugar level.

• IN COLON CANCER : 
  Insoluble fiber content dilutes cancer-causing bile acids or moves feces out of the colon more quickly, hence it reduces contact-time of feces in digestive system reducing chances of producing carcinogens (cancer-causing substance).

• ETHNOBOTANICAL / TRADITIONAL USES :
  It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of India and China to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bladder problems, Diverticular diseases, Urinary disorder, Coronary heart diseases and high blood pressure.
  
  Psyllium was also used topically to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insects bits and stings.

Dosage :
Regular dosage of 5-7 grams of pure psyllium is preferred. Ample intake of liquid should be accompanied the dose (125-150 ml/5gm).