Psyllium husk, also known as flea seed, ispaghula or spogel is derived from the seeds of the psyllium plant, plantago ispaghula. Psyllium is a shrub-like herb grown worldwide, but it grows mainly in India. A psyllium plant produces as many as 15,000 gel-coated tiny seeds. Psyllium is widely used in herbal medicine and can be taken as capsules, tablets and wafers, and food manufacturers add psyllium to cereals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There is good scientific evidence for the use of psyllium as a treatment for constipation, high cholesterol and diarrhea, but evidence for its use in other areas is unclear, states the National Library of Medicine.
Constipation
Psyllium seed husks are used mainly to treat constipation. Psyllium consists of large amounts of soluble dietary fiber and appears as the chief ingredient in many over-the-counter bulk laxatives throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Psyllium seeds contain 10 to 30 percent mucilage, which is a thick, gummy substance. The seed husks swell on contact with water and become a gelatinous mass which hydrates and softens stools making them easier to pass, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Psyllium stimulates the intestinal walls to contract, helps speed up the removal of waste from the body and increases the number of bowel movements per day. Psyllium may also help reduce hemorrhoid pain caused by constipation.
High Cholesterol
The soluble fiber in psyllium husks helps lower total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which is also known as bad cholesterol, when included as part of a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. Lowered cholesterol levels reduce the risk of heart disease. Psyllium provides added support for cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University of Michigan Health System notes psyllium lowers cholesterol in both adults and children. Eight weeks of psyllium use has been shown to have a modest effect on cholesterol, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Diarrhea
Psyllium may be recommended by health professionals for mild-to-moderate cases of diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium soaks up water in the intestines, bulks and firms stools and slows their passage through the intestines. Twenty grams of ground psyllium seeds taken twice daily with water may help reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as bleeding and help people to stay in remission longer, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have shown improved blood sugar levels as a result of psyllium supplementation. This is thought to be due to the high levels of soluble fiber found in psyllium seed husks, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Psyllium may also help prevent the development of diabetes in at-risk groups, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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