Indian psyllium (Plantago ovata) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the plantain family. It is imported mainly from India and Pakistan. The plant has a lidded capsule that contains the seeds, which are about two millimeters in size. The ripe seeds, and especially their shells, are used for their valuable ingredients. To obtain the desired effect of the seeds, they are crushed by grinding and purified from unwanted components.
Psyllium husks can protect the mucous membrane and regulate defecation
10 February 2023 — by Linn Masch
If your patients suffer from defecation disorders, the use of psyllium husks can have a protective effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. A variety of application possibilities, as well as practical use, ensure that psyllium husks can exhibit this effect in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ingredients
- Dietary fiber
- Mucilage
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
Psyllium husks can bind up to 40 times their own weight in water – and in the gastrointestinal tract
Psyllium seeds consist mainly of dietary fiber and mucilage and belong to the swelling agents. Swelling agents consist of non-absorbable substances which, in combination with water, can swell strongly and attain a high volume. Psyllium husks can bind up to 40 times their own weight in water, also in the gastrointestinal tract. The mucilages consist of polysaccharides whose basic skeletons are composed of xylose, arabinose and galacturonic acid. By binding water, the psyllium seeds gain size, stretch the intestine and cause increased intestinal peristalsis.
Psyllium husks are ideally suited for use with fecal impaction problems. Moreover, they work very fast.
Effect
The effect of Indian psyllium husks is mediated by their swelling capacity. The non-absorbable substances bind water by hydration. As a result, the swollen psyllium husks can increase the volume of the feces and positively influence the viscosity of the intestinal contents. As a result of the increased intestinal volume and the associated increased intestinal wall tension, the stretch receptors in the intestinal wall are excited. Consequently, intestinal peristalsis and defecation are stimulated. The voluminous intestinal contents increase intestinal motility. This reduces the intestinal transit time.
Dietary fiber
Psyllium husks are rich in dietary fiber, which is divided into soluble and insoluble fiber by their physical properties. Dietary fibers can bind fluid, swell and thus activate intestinal peristalsis. They also serve as a source of energy for intestinal bacteria. When the intestinal bacteria metabolize the dietary fibers, short-chain fatty acids are formed, which can subsequently promote the elimination of cholesterol from the body. Thus, the use of psyllium husks can lower cholesterol levels and increase bile acid synthesis. The short-chain fatty acids also show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Psyllium husks thus ensure that a food source is provided to the bacteria desired in the intestines. This promotes the maintenance of healthy intestinal flora.
Mucilage
The mucilage polysaccharides contained in psyllium husks are among the water-soluble dietary fibers; in combination with water, viscous mucilages are formed. They form a protective layer on the mucous membrane and promote lubrication and transport of the contents. They also help to regulate fecal output. Due to the increased intestinal motility and inhibited glucose absorption, hyperglycemia can be reduced. Psyllium is able to bind certain amounts of fats, sugars and toxins from food. Their absorption by the organism is thus averted. It is important for diabetic patients to control blood values, because they can be influenced by the use of psyllium husk. In addition, Indian psyllium can inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory mediators in the intestine, such as TNF-alpha and interleukin. The swelling of the psyllium husks takes place partly already in the stomach and reduces the appetite, whereby a feeling of satiety can arise more quickly.
Many parts of the psyllium seeds can be used – from the brown shell to the inside of the seeds
Side effects
In rare cases, undesirable effects may occur due to the high swelling capacity. A feeling of fullness may occur, which in animal patients may manifest itself in inappetence, in addition flatulences are possible. In these cases it is advisable to adjust the amount taken. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur primarily in pre-existing conditions such as asthma, urticaria and allergic reactions to acetylsalicylic acid. Sporadic intolerances have occurred in cases of diverticulosis, which are protrusions in the intestinal wall where intestinal contents can accumulate. These may be due to swelling of psyllium in the diverticula. If left untreated, they can develop into diverticulitis.
Fields of application for psyllium husks
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Strengthening the intestinal flora
- Lowering the cholesterol level
Psyllium husks are most suitable for use in fecal impaction problems. They can exert their effect in diarrhea as well as in constipation. Their water-binding properties make the intake of psyllium husks beneficial in diarrhea. In addition, it increases the feeling of satiety, which makes it suitable for use in weight regulation. Furthermore, the use in constipation is also possible due to the softening of the chyme. Thus, psyllium husks are used after certain operations, such as anal fissure. The supply of contained dietary fiber is important for maintaining the health of the intestinal flora and can be used as a supportive measure in cases of elevated cholesterol levels. Due to the high swelling capacity of psyllium seeds, however, the maximum amount to be applied must always be observed and you need to make sure that the pet always has access to drinking water.
