What is Psyllium Husk?

As functional ingredient, Psyllium Husk refers to the peels of plantago seed grinded to be edible, containing over 79% of dietary fiber.

Psyllium Husk absorbs water as much as 40 times of its weight, never taking out water once absorbed. That is, psyllium husk expands much itself in volume for the excretion of foreign substance, removing the feces contained long in the intestines for complete excretion. On the intestinal wall, it promotes peristalsis and brings back the rhythm of colon bacillus, properly maintaining excretion status.

Study on improved cholesterol function of Psyllium husk

1. Levin E G et al., Comparison of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid and cellulose as adjuncts to a prudent diet in the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Arch Intern Med 150:1822-1827, 1990. 

: It was found that Plantaginis Ovatae Semen reduced bacterial flora cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, after the intake of 10.2g of Plantaginis Ovatae Semen in adults with slightly high level of cholesterol for 16 weeks resulted in the reduction in cholesterol.

2. Everson G T et al., Effects of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid on LDL-cholesterol and bile acid synthesis in hypercholesterolemic men. J Lipid Res 33:1183-1192, 1992.  

: It was reported that the LDL-cholesterol content and level of absorbed cholesterol were significantly reduced, after the intake of 15g in 20 male subjects with slightly high cholesterol for 40 days. 

3. Stoy D B et al., Cholesterol-lowering effects of ready-to-eat cereal containing psyllium. J Am Diet Assoc 93:910-912, 1993. 

: It was observed that the bacterial flora cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced, after the intake of 12.4g of Plantaginis Ovatae Semen dietary fiber in 24 male subjects over the age of 18 with slightly high cholesterol level. 

Study on improved defecation of Psyllium Husk

1. Supplementation with dietary fiber improves fecal incontinence.  Bliss D Z et al., Nursing Research 50(4):203-213, 2001  

: It was reported that fecal incontinence was significantly reduced compared to the control group, and the feces status (warning) was significantly improved, after the double blind trials with control group where 28 people with inconvenient defecation took 25g of Plantaginis Ovatae Semen for 31 days. 

2.Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation.  Ashraf W et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther 9:639-347, 1995.  

: It was found that the frequency of defecation significantly increased and pain and hardness of feces decreased, after the intake of 5g of Plantaginis Ovatae Semen in 22 subjects with bad of colon bacillus. 

Lack of dietary fiber, the cause of constipation

About 12% of the world population suffers from constipation. One in ten has constipation, with higher percentage of women. In South Korea, the number of people who have constipation has increased by 1.5 times from the year 2002 through to 2009, which means the increase by over 7% annually. Child’s constipation cases are also increasing in number, increased over by 70,000 cases for 4 years (about 311,700 patients in 2005 and 387,800 in 2009). In particular, the portion of child patients under 9-year-old was 27% which was the highest.

The reason of constipation varies from irregular meals, diet, insufficient exercise, to stress and adverse drug effect. Among which, westernized dietary life is indicated as one of the main causes. Fiber taken through food is important nutrient necessary for intestinal beneficial bacteria. However, the consumption of meat has inhibited the growth of beneficial bacteria and helped that of harmful virus, because it lacks fiber. Intestinal beneficial bacteria play a role for normal peristalsis, but dietary life today would lead to the lack of fiber and much of chemical substance such as antibiotic, which cause the reduction in intestinal beneficial bacteria resulting in constipation or diarrhea.

Another cause of constipation might be irritable bowel syndrome. Normally, diarrhea is known as the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, but in some cases, the main symptoms would have characteristics of diarrhea and constipation. Frequent use of enema would also lead to more severe case, because of becoming dependent on drug. To overcome the constipation, fruit and vegetable with much fiber, healthy food without chemicals and regular exercise are required. In addition, probiotics can be helpful to overcome the constipation.

What is dietary fiber?

This refers to cell wall of a plant which is the enzyme-indigestible polymer. Dietary fiber is divided into soluble and insoluble types. Soluble dietary fiber composing of cell wall dissolves and inflated in water, binding binds plant cells. Soluble dietary fiber is much contained in fruit, vegetable, beans, rice bran and Psyllium husk.  

Viscosity becomes high sol when it is dissolved, soluble dietary fiber inhibits the speed of expansion of food components. Viscosity varies on changes in structure. As dietary fiber has carboxylating, it absorbs a cation as well as bile acid, cholesterol, and poisonous substance.