INDICES> Psyllium husk (3)

["Janet McNeece" <Jmcneece@mail.rah.sa.gov.au>]

INDICES> Psyllium husk (3)
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Dear Roselle

Psyllium Husk is the cleaned dried sead coat (epidermis) which 
has been separated from the seads (by winnowing and threshing) 
of Plantago ovata, plantago psyllium (plantago afra) or plantago 
indica (plantago arenaria).  Its other medicinal name is Isphaghula 
husk.  It is used as a bulk laxative (when prepared with water).  It 
absorbs water in the gastro-intestinal tract to form a mucilaginous 
mass which increases the volume of faeces hand promotes 
peristalsis.  It is used in the treatment of constipation, especially in 
diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome and when 
excessive straining must be avoided for example following 
anorectal surgery.  It can also be used (as a dry preparation) in the 
management of diarrhoea.  It can also be used to adjust faecal 
consistency in patients with colostomies.  It has also been used in 
the past in the treatment of mild hypercholesterolaemia.

The husk itself does not contain gluten but individual preparations 
of the husk may do so.  You will need to contact the individual 
manufacturers with regard to their specific preparation.

Hope this is useful

Janet McNeece

Senior Pharmacist, Drug Information centre,
Royal Adelaide Hospital
South Australia, SA5063
email jmcneece@mail.rah.sa.gov.au
Telephone (61)88225546
Fax  (61) 882225891

[Thanks Janet; discussion closed. WB]
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