 |
| |
 |
Our
modern diets usually lack fibre, as most of it
is removed from the cereals including flour by
hulling, refining and peeling of fruit and vegetables
before consuming them. Psyllium Husk is a natural
agent in providing sufficient dietary fibre to
the fibre deficient foods.
Psyllium is a complete natural fibre, composed
mostly of hemi-cellulose. It acts as a sponge
in the intestinal tract, swelling as it absorbs
water and waste material in the bowels. Hence,
forming a soft bulky mass that passes through
the colon faster (preventing potential toxic waste
from accumulating in the colon), smoothly and
easily so that to reducing chances of producing
carcinogens. The Fibre content is helping to control
diabetes by the way of to reduce the release of
dietary sugar from digestive tract in the blood
therefore to stabilization of blood sugar level.
|
|
Psyllium has a high content
of mucilage polysaccharide that gels over a wide range of
concentrations. It has long been used as a laxative because
of this gelling property.
In 1998, the United States
Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) authorized the use
of health claim labeling in food and dietary supplements containing
Psyllium. As per the report Psyllium contents 70%
soluble fibre and 30% insoluble
fibre. The health claim states that diets low in fat and cholesterol
together with in take of Psyllium Husk may reduce the risk
of heart disease by lowering of cholesterol due to Psyllium
content of high soluble fibre which is responsible for decreasing
the absorption of cholesterol in the blood. After prolonged
researches Experts, Doctors and Scientists of the world &
heart ailments. It reduces the cholesterol and also maintains
the blood pressure at normal level. It is harmless as well
as the cheapest remedy of the modern world which is available
freely in India.
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 addition to Psyllium Husk being in itself a directly consumable
natural fibre to treat constipation, acidity, and a score
of bowel related problems, it also finds various other uses
and applications commercially:
|
Psyllium also is added
to warm milk, plain water, fresh fruit drinks, and flavored
drinks to improve the smoothness and impart richness
and good consistency. |
|
It is used to improve the fibre
content as well as the bulk in breads, biscuits, rice
cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast cereals etc. |
|
It is also used for diarrhea;
in this case it has taken with curd. |
|
It is used cosmetics
and as a thickener and stabilizer in ice creams and
frozen desserts. 1.5%
weight/volume ratio of Psyllium mucilage exhibits binding
properties that are superior to a 10%
weight/volume ratio of starch mucilage. The viscosity
of Psyllium mucilage dispersions is relatively unaffected
between temperatures of 20ºC-50ºC. |
Number of Laboratories
and Drug Manufacturing Companies prepare their own formulations,
Capsules, etc... Forms with Psyllium husk as a raw material
and sell them by their own brand names. They add various flavors
like orange, lemon, pineapple, cardamom, cloves, and ginger
and serve customer’s tests. You can too prepare your
own formulations by using our product as a raw material.
Quick
Reference Guide to Psyllium
|
Botanical
Name (Latin):
|
: |
Plantago
Ovata, Plantago Ispaghula |
| Common
Names: |
: |
Psyllium
Husk, Sat Isabgol, Flea, lspaghua, Spogel, Plantago
Psyllium, Isaphgol, Plantago sp., Isabgula |
| Type
of Herb: |
: |
Ayurvedic |
| Chemical
Constituents: |
: |
Mucilage
mainly composed of arabinose, xylose, galacturonic
acid, semi drying fatty oil and small amount of
aucubin. |
| Properties:
|
: |
The
seed contains the property of mucilage formation
on extraction of moisture. Psyllium is cooling,
soothing & a softening substance which prevents
acidity. |
| Pharmacological
Action & Uses: |
: |
Laxative,
Demulcent, Expectorant, Emollient, and Astringent.
Used in the treatment of Chronic constipation,
Colitis, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Urethritis, Cystitis,
Ulcers, Gastritis, Blood cholesterol LDL level,
High triglycerides, Irritable bowel syndrome. |
| Other
Applications: |
: |
Used
in health drinks, beverages, ice cream, chocolates,
frozen desserts, bread, biscuits, other bakery
products, rice cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast
cereals, horse-feed, cosmetics etc. |
| Plant
Part Used: |
: |
Husk |
|
|
 |