Psyllium Husk

 

Psyllium Husk Clinical Report Summary

 

Psyllium is an effective treatment for numerous conditions like high cholesterol and uncomfortable disruptions in the colon like hemorrhoids and constipation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Evidence of this was determined from numerous double-blind placebo controlled studies in humans: the "gold standard" of clinical research. Psyllium, a natural compound, has unique properties that work directly on the digestive tract (1, 2).

 

Psyllium Husk Overview

 

Psyllium is a natural form of soluble fiber commonly found in many laxative preparations. Psyllium, also known as ispaghula, comes from the seed and husk of the Plantago ovata plant. The fiber in psyllium turns gelatinous when mixed with water, which helps quicken the passage of waste through the digestive tract (1). Scientists have discovered that some of psyllium's active compounds do not go through a chemical change when digested, this means its properties are still at work in the large bowel or colon (2). This unique fiber then increases water bulk in stool and promotes the production of short chain fatty acids in the colon (1, 2). This may help reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to some preliminary population studies. Psyllium, like other fibers, also has the proven ability to lower total blood cholesterol when taken on a regular basis (1).

 

Safe Use of Psyllium Husk

 

Dosages of psyllium vary according to treatment but studies show desired effects can be achieved with 2,00mg to 40g a day (1). Psyllium consumption should start with a low dose and gradually increase over time. It is also important to drink plenty of water when taking psyllium to prevent constipation or blockage (1). In some cases, psyllium has caused allergic reactions. In general, studies have demonstrated that psyllium is safe for long-term use (1).     

 

Clinical Reports for Psyllium Husk

 

Numerous human clinical studies show evidence that psyllium consumption can help lower blood cholesterol and offer relief to uncomfortable bowel conditions like hemorrhoids and constipation. In a research study involving 149 patients with chronic constipation, psyllium use caused 85% of healthy patients to be symptom free in 6 weeks (1, 3). Similar results have been found in many other research studies including one randomized double-blind trial where pysillium performed better than docusate sodium, a key ingredient in many over the counter laxatives (1, 4). Researchers have also found that psyllium can significantly reduce symptoms associated with hemorrhoids like bleeding and swelling if it is taken for at least one month (1). Studies also prove that psyllium, and other dietary fibers, can lower cholesterol, including LDL or "bad cholesterol" (1, 5). In a review of 8 clinical studies that included hundreds of patients, those taking psyllium for 8 weeks significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 7% as compared to placebo (1, 5). And other studies show that long-term use of psyllium can further reduce total cholesterol by as much as 20% (1).   

 

Psyllium Husk References

 

1. Monograph: plantago ovata (psyllium). Altern Med Rev. 2002; 7(2): 155-159.
2. Marlett JA et al. An unfermented gel component of psyllium seed husk promotes laxation as a lubricant in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 72(3): 784-789.
3. Voderholzer WA et al. Clinical response to dietary fiber treatment of chronic constipation. Am J Gasteroenterol. 1997; 92(1): 95-98.
4. McRorie JW et al. Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for treatment of chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998; 12(5): 491-497.
5. Anderson JW et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia: meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 71(2): 472-479.