What Are Psyllium Hulls?

Psyllium, or "plantago ovata" by its scientific denomination, is an annual herb that comes from India, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Spain and the Canary Islands. It is often found on the market as "psyllium hulls," as the plant parts most used for medicinal purposes are the seeds and their outer covering, the hulls or husks.

Compounds

• Psyllium hulls are used for their high fiber content: 70 percent soluble and 30 percent insoluble fiber. Both types of fiber offer important health benefits. Soluble fiber transforms into a gel in the stomach and slows the digestion process. Scientific evidence proves its cholesterol lowering effect. Insoluble fiber is eliminated almost intact by the human body and has an important role in helping food move more rapidly through the digestive tract.

Health Effects

• According to Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, clinical experiments have shown the psyllium seed is highly efficient in the treatment of diabetes, obesity and irritable bowel syndrome. Most notably, the plant has been demonstrated to have laxative, cholesterol lowering, hypoglycemic, expectorant and hypotensive effects.

  The German Commission E (governmental committee that evaluates the safety and efficacy of medicinal herbs sold in Germany) approved psyllium for constipation, diarrhea, raised cholesterol and hemorrhoids.

  The American Cancer Society recognizes the efficiency of psyllium in dealing with cancer treatment side effects like constipation and diarrhea but recommends fruits and vegetables as a better source of fiber and more effective in lowering the risk of cancer.

Forms

• Psyllium husks are marketed as food supplements and can be found in health food stores as powder, tablets, capsules and wafers. They also are added to breakfast cereals. The recommendation is to take psyllium with large amounts of water because it expands quickly in humidity and can cause choking and blockage of the esophagus.

  Psyllium is a common ingredient in many well-known bulk laxatives, such as Metamucil, Effersyllium and Syllamalt.

Precautions

• Anaphylactic or asthmatic attacks have been reported in association with the antigens contained by psyllium. It can interact with medications for diabetes and carbamazepine (anti-seizure medication). Psyllium also can diminish the absorption of other drugs, like tetracycline, lithium, heart and cholesterol medication and some antidepressants.

Concerns

• In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved psyllium for sale as a dietary supplement, a category that is not strictly regulated for safety, strength or effects on health. The American Cancer Society warns that there isn't always enough scientific evidence behind the use of dietary supplements in treating health conditions, and they may not include enough of the active substance or may contain contaminants. Consumers should exercise caution and care when choosing such products and should consult their health care providers about any herbs and supplements they are taking.