Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Constipation is a condition wherein the bowel movements are either irregular or it becomes difficult to pass stools. This condition is often associated with stomach pain, bloating and loss of appetite. Several studies suggest that psyllium husk can be used to treat constipation.  A clinical study with 170 subjects with chronic constipation revealed that consumption of psyllium husk increased the content of water in the stool and made bowel movement easier.  An older study showed that psyllium husk can be used with fibrous compounds such as pectin and cellulose to improve its laxative potential., Both these fibres are commonly found in fruits such as berries and apples. Adding pectin or cellulose with psyllium husk can also help get rid of the blandness of psyllium husk. Another study indicated that the polysaccharides present in psyllium husk and its  gel-forming abilities can help prevent constipation.

(Read more: How to improve digestion)

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder in which our body is unable to metabolise glucose causing an accumulation of these sugars in the blood. Although it is not possible to completely cure diabetes, it can be managed by making simple changes to the diet. According to The American Diabetes Association, a diet rich in fibre is useful for to keeping diabetes under control.

A clinical study on 34 men with type 2 diabetes and high levels of cholesterol revealed that supplementation of psyllium husk for a period of 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels. This indicates that psyllium husk is safe for consumption in people with type 2 diabetes.

Often we tend to feel hungry between meals. This is when we have the urge to snack on things that might not be healthy. In a research done to evaluate the correlation between stomach emptying and appetite, it was seen that psyllium husk significantly increased the time taken for stomach emptying after a meal. Being rich in fibre, psyllium husk also increases the feeling of fullness, thereby reducing hunger pangs between meals.

(Read more: Balanced diet chart)

High cholesterol in the blood could mean a higher risk of getting heart diseases. People with high levels of cholesterol are more prone to heart attack and stroke. Studies reveal that psyllium husk could help reduce the level of cholesterol in the body. A study was done on 125 diabetic patients who were asked to consume psyllium husk thrice a day for a period of six weeks. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant reduction in the total cholesterol level (TC), triglyceride level and bad cholesterol (LDL) level. There was also an increase in the level of good cholesterol (HDL). 

A study conducted on 47 obese males aged between 15 - 16 years showed that consumption of fibre rich psyllium husk led to an 8% decrease in the level of bad cholesterol (LDL).

Another clinical study on 20 subjects with high levels of cholesterol indicated that psyllium husk helps lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the blood by stimulating the synthesis of bile acid.

(Read more: High cholesterol treatment)

Diarrhoea is a condition characterized by an abnormally frequent passage of watery stools. Research reveals that psyllium husk can help prevent diarrhoea. A clinical study done on 8 individuals indicated that psyllium husk can delay the emptying of the stomach by increasing the consistency of the meal and reducing the time taken for the food to reach the colon. This was particularly beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhoea. 

Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of radiation therapy in cancer patients.  Studies reveal that psyllium husk can help prevent the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in cancer patients after radiation.

Amoebiasis or amoebic dysentery is caused by an intestinal parasite  Entamoeba histolytica. Common symptoms of this condition include stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Traditionally, psyllium husk is used as a remedy for amoebic dysentery. A research suggested that certain active compounds present in psyllium husk have inhibitory effects against Entamoeba histolytica and E. diapar. The research further reported that crude extracts of psyllium are effective amoebicidals at a concentration of 1 to 10 mg per ml and thus can be used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects the colon or large intestine and it is usually characterized by inflammation and irritation. If this is left untreated, it may lead to colon cancer. Mesalamine is one of the drugs that are being used to treat ulcerative colitis. 

In a clinical trial with 150 patients with ulcerative colitis, oral supplementation of psyllium husk has been found to be as effective as mesalamine in treating ulcerative colitis.

Blood pressure is the force that the heart uses to pump blood through the body. High blood pressure usually does not have any immediate symptoms. But if this condition is left untreated, it could lead to heart diseases and stroke. Research suggests that a diet low in protein and fibre could be associated with high blood pressure. Psyllium husk is a rich source of dietary fibre.

A clinical study was done on 36 hypertensive (high blood pressure) patients to access if consumption of psyllium husk can control high blood pressure. The results revealed that there was a reduction in the blood pressure by 5.9 mm Hg (5.9 millimetres of mercury). It was further added that the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects of psyllium husk are not affected by gender, age or weight.