Plantaginaceae · seed, seed husk

Psyllium

Plantago ovata

Meta-analysis / systematic reviewFood-like / generally well tolerated

Husk is a food-like soluble fiber mapped to meta-analyses for stool bulk and modest LDL-cholesterol changes. It is not a stimulant laxative.

Ask Assistant about this

Safety first

Must be taken with a full glass of water. Dry or inadequately wetted husk can obstruct the throat or gut. Separate from oral drugs by at least 1–2 hours.

Tradition vs trials

Traditional record. Unani/Ayurvedic and Western records use ispaghula husk as a bulk-forming demulcent.

Trial literature. Meta-analyses support stool-frequency and LDL-cholesterol changes at adequate fiber doses taken with water. Glucose-endpoint data are more modest.

Practical ranges

Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.

husk (adults)
Constipation and lipid meta-analyses commonly use about 7–20 g husk daily, always with adequate fluid
WHO monographs / ESCOP — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.

Pregnancy, nursing, children

Pregnancy. Bulk fiber with water is generally regarded as compatible; still a clinician decision if obstruction risk exists.
Nursing. Not systemically absorbed; culinary-type fiber use is generally compatible.
Children. Only with enough water and clinician guidance; choking and obstruction risk is higher if fluid is inadequate.

Contraindications

swallowing difficulty
known or suspected bowel obstruction
fecal impaction
inadequate access to water

Key interactions

oral drugs · caution
Viscous fiber can reduce or delay absorption of many oral medicines. Separate dosing.

Open drug–herb checker