May help with

• constipation
• lower blood sugar
• boost satiety
• lower cholesterol
• prebiotic effects

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Psyllium

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Psyllium, flea, flea ivy

International Latin denomination

• Plantago afra L. = Plantago psyllium L. (1762) and auct., not Plantago psyllium L. (1753)
• Plantago arenaria Waldst and Kit. = Plantago indica L. = Plantago psyllium L. (1753), name rejected

botanical family

Plantaginaceae

Description and habitat

• Small annual herbs with erect stems, inflorescences with slender or tight spikes
• The fruit is an ovoid, flattened two-seeded capsule
  • Blond psyllium or ispaghul ( Plantago ovata ) is native to India and Iran
  • Black psyllium ( Plantago afra and Plantago arenaria ) is native to the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East

History and tradition

Parts used

• Seeds (mucilaginous)

Dosage forms available

• Plantago psyllium seed tincture

Usual dosages

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeds, previously macerated cold in water

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Polysaccharides  : 10 - 12% mucilage
• 5 - 10% fat (unsaturated fatty acids), protein
• Sterols
• Iridoid ( aucuboside )
• Traces of cyclopentapyridine alkaloids

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

Properties

Plant properties

• Laxative
• Detoxifying (solubilizes toxins present in the intestine)
• Hypocholesterolemic [1]
• Potential activity in type 2 diabetes [2]
• Swelling index at least equal to 10

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Occasional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome [3]
• Stomach and duodenal ulcers
• Support for hypolipidemic diets
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome [4]

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

• "Ballast effect laxative" of purely mechanical mode of action:
  • Formation of a viscous gel by the hydrophilicity of polysaccharide macromolecules , increased fecal bolus which stimulates peristalsis and facilitates exoneration
• The mucilages dissolve more or less and swell on contact with water to form gels or colloidal solutions

Usual formulations

• One to two teaspoons to put in a glass, fill the glass with water, let swell, then consume as it is with a spoon or (better) mix with a compote or a soup, to be used by discontinuous cures

Regulations

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• Avoid in case of occlusive syndrome, pyloric stenosis, caution in case of megacolon

Bibliographic references

1. Go↑ Olson BH, Anderson SM, Becker MP, Anderson JW, Hunninghake DB, Jenkins DJ, LaRosa JC, Rippe JM, Roberts DC, Stoy DB, Summerbell CD, Truswell AS, Wolever TM, Morris DH, Fulgoni VL. 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 Oct;127(10):1973-80. PMID 9311953 , full text: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/127/10/1973.long
2. Go↑ Pastors JG, Blaisdell PW, Balm TK, Asplin CM, Pohl SL. Psyllium fiber reduces rise in postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 Jun;53(6):1431-5. PMID 1852093 . http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/53/6/1431
3. Go↑ Singh B. Psyllium as therapeutic and drug delivery agent. Int J Pharm. 2007 Apr 4;334(1-2):1-14. Epub 2007 Jan 21. PMID 17329047
4. Go↑ Giacosa A, Rondanelli M. The right fiber for the right disease: an update on the psyllium seed husk and the metabolic syndrome. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2010 Sep;44 Suppl 1:S58-60. PMID 20616745

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

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