Psyllium seed husks, also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or psyllium, are portions of the
seeds
of the plant
Plantago ovata
, (genus
Plantago
), a native of
India
,
Bangladesh
and
Pakistan
. They are
hygroscopic
, which allows them to expand and become
mucilaginous
.
Psyllium seed husk are indigestible and are a source of soluble
dietary fiber
. They are used to relieve
constipation
,
irritable bowel syndrome
, and
diarrhea
. They are also used as a regular
dietary supplement
to improve and maintain regular
GI transit
. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research has shown they may be effective in lowering
cholesterol
and controlling certain types of
diabetes
.
Other uses include gluten-free baking, where ground psyllium seed husks bind moisture and help make breads less crumbly.