
Psyllium Seeds
Plantago ovata – The psyllium plant belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and thrives in dry, arid climatic conditions. The seeds of the psyllium plant are of primary ethnobotanical, medicinal, and economic importance.
Psyllium seeds are harvested in April and May. The seeds are brown in color, smooth in texture, and have a slight arch in the center.

Chemical Constituents
Mucilage is mainly composed of arabinose, xylose, galacturonic acid, semi-drying fatty oil, and a small amount of aucubin.

Properties
The seed has the property of forming mucilage upon moisture extraction. Psyllium seeds are cooling, laxative, soothing, antacidic, antidiuretic, and demulcent.

Application
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It is one of the most effective natural remedies for constipation and helps regulate bowel function. It is a bulk-forming laxative.
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Psyllium helps reduce the risk of heart attack by decreasing serum cholesterol through the proper excretion of bile acids.
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It is consumed daily with water or milk after meals to reduce constipation, fat, and calories.
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Industrially, psyllium is used as a basic stabilizer in ice cream, as a sizing agent in chocolate, and its mucilage is also used in cosmetics.
Psyllium Seed
Color
Odour
Taste
Particle Size
Moisture (loss on drying)
Total Ash
Acid Insoluble Ash
Foreign Organic Matter
Light brown to moderate brown
Faint, characteristic
Bland, mucilaginous
Not More Than 5.0 % on U.S.S. 35#
Not More Than 12.0 %
Not More Than 4.0 %
Not More Than 1.0%
Not More Than 0.5 %