Indian Psyllium

Products

Indian psyllium seeds and Indian psyllium husks are available in pharmacies and drugstores as open goods. There are also corresponding finished medicines on the market, such as Agiolax mite, Laxiplant, and Metamucil. These are usually powders or granules. See also under psyllium.

Stem plant

The parent plant is from the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). The plant is also called and is native to India and Iran.

Medicinal drug

On the one hand, Indian psyllium seeds (Plantaginis ovatae semen), the dried, mature seeds of the plant, are used as a medicinal raw material. They are alternatively named as Ispaghulae semen. More commonly, the Indian psyllium husks are used (Plantaginis ovatae seminis tegumenti pulvis). The corresponding synonym is Ispaghulae testa. They consist of the episperm and adjacent collapsed layers of the seed. .

Ingredients

Constituents include mucilages (swelling agents, polysaccharides), dietary fiber, and fatty oil in the seeds.

Effects

The preparations have strong water-binding, swelling, laxative, satiating, and mild lipid-lowering properties. The seeds or seed coats swell in the intestine, making the stool more slippery, soft and supple, and increasing stool volume. As a result, they trigger defecation. The effects occur within about 12 to 24 hours.

Indications for use

For the treatment of constipation and to soften the stool in hemorrhoids, after surgery and in anal fissure. As a water-binding agent in diarrhea and as a satiating slimming agent in overweight and obesity. For the intake of dietary fiber and as a supportive measure for high cholesterol.

Dosage

According to the directions. The remedies should be taken with sufficient liquid, because constipation is otherwise aggravated. At least 30 ml per 1 g of powder is recommended. They can also be stirred into yogurt and muesli. Do not take right before bedtime and do not inhale the powder (seed shells). Daily dose for adults: 7 to 11 g, divided into one to three individual doses (source: EMA).

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Constipation that lasts longer than two weeks and has not been clarified
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Constriction of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Abdominal pain of unknown cause
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Children under 6 or 12 years (depending on the field of application).

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Indian psyllium should not be combined with motility-inhibiting agents such as loperamide. Absorption of other drugs may be delayed. Therefore, an interval of one-half to one hour should be observed. In diabetics, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of antidiabetic drugs. This should be done under medical supervision. The same applies to thyroid hormones.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include digestive disturbances such as gas and bloating. Indian psyllium may cause allergic reactions, up to and including an asthma attack and bronchospasm, in sensitive individuals. Anaphylaxis has also been reported. This is favored by inhalation of the small particles, for example during filling or removal. Not only patients are affected, but also professionals such as pharmacists, druggists and pharmaceutical assistants. Allergy sufferers should not handle the powder or should wear suitable mouth protection.