Products
Psyllium seeds are available as a medicinal raw material and as a drug (e.g., mucilar) in pharmacies and drugstores. Indian psyllium (Indian psyllium husk, see there) is also used.
Stem plants
Psyllium belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). The parent plants are and .
Medicinal drug
The mature, whole and dried seeds (Psyllii semen) of or from as well as the psyllium husks (Psyllii testa) are used as medicinal raw material.
Ingredients
The active ingredients are dietary fiber and mucilage (polysaccharides).
Effects
Psyllium (ATC A06AC01) has laxative and stool-regulating properties within about 12 to 24 hours. Psyllium seeds can absorb a large amount of water. They swell with water, increasing stool volume and making stool softer and more slippery. This triggers the stretching stimulus and accelerates the intestinal passage. If psyllium seeds are taken before meals, they have a satiating and appetite suppressing effect.
Fields of application
- For the treatment of constipation.
- For irritable bowel syndrome.
- For stool regulation in hemorrhoids and an anal fissure.
- As a satiating slimming agent against overweight and obesity.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Psyllium should be taken with sufficient liquid! For constipation, adults take one teaspoon of medicinal drug three times a day with enough water. For appetite suppression, psyllium seeds are taken half an hour before meals. The maximum daily dose is in the range of 25 to 40 g. Administer during the day and not before bedtime and do not inhale the powder.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Gastrointestinal tract diseases such as intestinal stricture, intestinal obstruction, and inflammatory bowel disease
- Dysphagia
- Taking before bedtime
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Psyllium may inhibit the absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Other drugs should be administered at a time interval (e.g., 2 hours). Psyllium should not be taken with other swelling agents and intestinal motility-inhibiting antidiarrheal agents.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include indigestion, flatulence, a feeling of fullness, and allergic reactions. It should be noted that the seeds contain allergens. If taken with too little water, obstruction in the digestive tract is possible.
