Psyllium

Share:

Also indexed as: Fiber (Psyllium), Flea Seed, Ispaghula, Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovata, Psyllium Husk, Spogel

Parts Used & Where Grown

Psyllium is native to Iran and India and is currently cultivated in these countries. The seeds are primarily used in traditional herbal medicine. Psyllium seed husks are mainly used to treat constipation.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

CloseClose

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Psyllium has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Constipation	5 to 10 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water	[3 stars] Psyllium is a mild bulk-forming laxative that’s best suited for long-term use in people with constipation. Learn More
Close Constipation 5 to 10 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water The laxatives most frequently used world-wide come from plants. Herbal laxatives are either bulk-forming or stimulating. Bulk-forming laxatives come from plants with a high fiber and mucilage content that expand when they come in contact with water; examples include psyllium, flaxseed, and fenugreek. As the volume in the bowel increases, a reflex muscular contraction occurs, stimulating a bowel movement. These mild laxatives are best suited for long-term use in people with constipation. Many doctors recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husks, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day. Some doctors use a combination of senna (18%) and psyllium (82%) for the treatment of chronic constipation. This has been shown to work effectively for people in nursing homes with chronic constipation.¹ Learn More
Diverticular Disease	7 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water	[3 stars] A preliminary trial found that psyllium, a good source of fiber, was effective in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular disease and constipation. Learn More
Close Diverticular Disease 7 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water A preliminary trial of the herb psyllium supports the use of this type of fiber in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular disease and constipation.² Learn More
High Cholesterol	5 to 10 grams per day with meals	[3 stars] Psyllium has been shown to be effective at lowering total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Learn More
Close High Cholesterol 5 to 10 grams per day with meals Use of psyllium has been extensively studied as a way to reduce cholesterol levels. An analysis of all double-blind trials in 1997 concluded that a daily amount of 10 grams psyllium lowered cholesterol levels by 5% and LDL cholesterol by 9%.³ Since then, a large controlled trial found that use of 5.1 grams of psyllium two times per day significantly reduced serum cholesterol as well as LDL-cholesterol.⁴ Generally, 5 to 10 grams of psyllium are added to the diet per day to lower cholesterol levels. The combination of psyllium and oat bran may also be effective at lowering LDL cholesterol.⁵ Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome	3.25 grams taken three times per day	[3 stars] Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium has helped regulate normal bowel activity and improved symptoms in some people with IBS. Learn More
Close Irritable Bowel Syndrome 3.25 grams taken three times per day Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium seeds (3.25 grams taken three times per day) have helped regulate normal bowel activity in some people with IBS.⁶ Psyllium has improved IBS symptoms in double-blind trials.⁷^{, 8} Learn More
Type 2 Diabetes	5.1 grams daily with meals	[3 stars] Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated way to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol. Learn More
Close Type 2 Diabetes 5.1 grams daily with meals Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated way to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol. In a double-blind trial, men with type 2 diabetes who took 5.1 grams of psyllium per day for eight weeks lowered their blood glucose levels by 11 to 19.2%, their total cholesterol by 8.9%, and their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 13%, compared with a placebo.⁹ Learn More
Diarrhea	9 to 30 grams daily	[2 stars] Psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve diarrhea symptoms. Learn More
Close Diarrhea 9 to 30 grams daily While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea.¹⁰ Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition. Learn More
Hemorrhoids	7 grams three times daily in water, followed by a second glass of water	[2 stars] Taking psyllium, an herb high in fiber, may help relieve constipation. Learn More
Close Hemorrhoids 7 grams three times daily in water, followed by a second glass of water Constipation is believed to worsen hemorrhoid symptoms, and thus, bulk-forming fibers are often recommended for those with hemorrhoids. A double-blind trial reported that 7 grams of psyllium, an herb high in fiber, taken three times daily reduced the pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids.¹¹ Some healthcare professionals recommend taking two tablespoons of psyllium seeds or 1 teaspoon of psyllium husks two or three times per day mixed with water or juice. It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake while using psyllium. Learn More
High Triglycerides	15 grams daily	[2 stars] Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some clinical trials. Learn More
Close High Triglycerides 15 grams daily Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some,¹²^{, 13} but not all,¹⁴ clinical trials. Further research is needed to assess the effect of psyllium on triglyceride levels more closely, as much of the study so far has focused on lowering cholesterol levels. Learn More
Ulcerative Colitis	Refer to label instructions	[2 stars] Taking psyllium may help people with ulcerative colitis maintain remission. Learn More
Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation	3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid	[1 star] Preliminary research has shown that psyllium seed husks improve constipation and bowel function in people with Parkinson’s disease and constipation. Learn More
Close Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation 3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s disease supplement with fiber and maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce constipation associated with this disease.¹⁵Preliminary research has shown that psyllium seed husks improve constipation and bowel function in people with Parkinson’s disease and constipation.¹⁶ A typical recommendation for psyllium seed husks is 3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

In addition to its traditional and current use for constipation, psyllium was also used topically by herbalists to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insect bites and stings. It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of China and India to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bladder problems, and high blood pressure.

References

1. Passmore AP, Wilson-Davies K, Flanagan PG, et al. Chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients: a comparison of lactulose and senna-fiber combination. BMJ 1993; 307:769–71.

2. Ewerth S, Ahlberg J, Holmstrom B, et al. Influence on symptoms and transit-time of Vi-SiblinR in diverticular disease. Acta Chir Scand Suppl 1980;500:49–50.

3. Olson BH, Anderson SM, Becker MP, et al. Psyllium-enriched cereals lower blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolemic adults: results of a meta-analysis. J Nutr 1997;127:1973–80.

4. Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, et al. Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1433–8.

5. Romero AL, Romero JE, Galaviz S, Fernandez ML. Cookies enriched with psyllium or oat bran lower plasma LDL cholesterol in normal and hypercholesterolemic men from Northern Mexico. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:601–8.

6. Hotz J, Plein K. Effectiveness of plantago seed husks in comparison with wheat bran no stool frequency and manifestations of irritable colon syndrome with constipation. Med Klin 1994;89:645–51.

7. Jalihal A, Kurian G. Ispaghula therapy in irritable bowel syndrome: improvement in overall well-being is related to reduction in bowel dissatisfaction. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1990;5:507–13.

8. Prior A, Whorwell PJ. Double blind study of ispaghula irritable bowel syndrome. Gut 1987;11:1510–3.

9. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, et al. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:466–73.

10. Eherer AH, Porter J, Fordtran JS. Effect of psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, and wheat bran on secretory diarrhea induced by phenolphthalein. Gastroenterol 1993;104:1007–12.

11. Moesgaard F, Nielsen ML, Hansen JB, Knudsen JT. High-fiber diet reduces bleeding and pain in patients with hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum 1982;25:454–6.

12. Jenkins DJA, Wolever TMS, Vidgen E, et al. Effect of psyllium in hypercholesterolemia at two monounsaturated fatty acid intakes. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:1524–33.

13. Ganji V, Kies CV. Pysllium husk fiber supplementation to the diets rich in soybean or coconut oil: Hypocholesterolemic effect in healthy humans. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1996;47:103–10.

14. Davidson MH, Maki KC, Kong JC, et al. Long-term effects of consuming foods containing psyllium seed husk on serum lipids in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67:367–76.

15. Kempster PA, Wahlqvist ML. Dietary factors in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Nutr Rev 1994;52:51–8 [review].

16. Ashraf W, Pfeiffer RF, Park F, et al. Constipation in Parkinson’s disease: objective assessment and response to psyllium. Mov Disord 1997;12:946–51.

17. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 427–9.

18. Voderholzer WA, Schatke W, Mühldorfer BE, et al. Clinical response to dietary fiber treatment of chronic constipation. Am J Gastroenterol 1997;92:95–8.

19. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, et al. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid response in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:466–73.

20. Oson BH, Anderson SM, Becker MP, et al. Psyllium-enriched cereals lower blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolemic adults: Results of a meta-analysis. J Nutr 1997;127:1973–80.

21. Davidson MH, Dugan LD, Burns JH, et al. A psyllium-enriched cereal for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children: A controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;63:96–102.

22. Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, et al. Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1433–8.

23. Florholmen J, Arvidsson-Lenner R, Jorde R, Burhol PG. The effect of Metamucil on postprandial blood glucose and plasma gastric inhibitory peptide in insulin-dependent diabetics. Acta Med Scand 1982;212:237–9.

24. Rodriguez-Moran M, Guerrero-Romero F, Lazcano-Burciaga G. Lipid- and glucose-lowering efficacy of plantago psyllium in type II diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 1998;12:273–8.

25. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, et al. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid response in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:466–73.

26. Fernandez-Banares F, Hinojosa J, Sanchez-Lombrana JL, et al. Randomized clinical trial of Plantago ovata seeds (dietary fiber) as compared with mesalamine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:427–33.

27. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 190–2.

28. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 74–5.

29. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 190–2.

Psyllium Benefits

Here is what people are saying about the benefits of Psyllium.

Psyllium Husks Powder by Yerba Prima
"Psyllium Husk Powder is an outstanding product. It works without giving you gas or liquefying your stool. Not to be graphic, but when you look in the bowl you will be astonished at what was inside you. Part of the weight you carry around is toxic and decaying fecal matter, no other way to put it. ..."

Colon Care Powder by Twinlab
"I really love Colon Care. I am ordering more. I would highly recommend it. It has helped me with constipation a whole lot. We need to take care of our bodies. Its important and it is finding the right products to work for you...."

More Weight Loss Supplements

More Bodybuilding Supplements

More Bath & Beauty...

More Herbal Supplements

More Pet Care

More Sexual Health

More Kids Vitamins

Psyllium

Related Topics

Parts Used & Where Grown

Psyllium has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Constipation

Diverticular Disease

High Cholesterol

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Type 2 Diabetes

Diarrhea

Hemorrhoids

High Triglycerides

Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)