Psyllium Seed
Botanical Description & Habitat
Plantago psyllium
Family
Plantiganaceae
Common names
Ground psyllium
French psyllium
Spanish psyllium
Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated in Spain and southern France.
Description
The plant is pubescent and it has an erect branched stem. The seed is very tiny and increases in volume when soaked in water.
Medicinal parts
Seeds, ripe, dried; leaves, dried or fresh, collected before flowering.
Historical Properties & Uses
Psyllium seed is a bulk-forming laxative. Because they approximate or mimic the physiologic mechanism of evacuation more closely than other kinds of laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives are usually recommended first, and are the laxative of choice in infants and small children.
These laxatives swell in the intestinal fluids, forming emollient gels that facilitate the passage of the intestinal contents and stimulate peristalsis. They are usually effective within 12-24 hours, but may take up to 3 days in some cases. Psyllium is easily the most popular bulk forming laxative.
It is imperative sufficient water or other liquid be ingested along with the seed (a full 8 oz glass is recommended).
This herb (Black psyliium seed, Blonde Psyllium seed and Blonde psyllium seed husk) has approval status by the German Commission E for constipation.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
The mode of action of psyllium seed is rather straightforward. It is a hydrophilic polysaccharide mucilage swelling several times its own weight in water and in the gastro-intestinal tract where by sheer bulk it stimulates peristalsis.
The emollient nature of the bulk facilitates passage. The product is not absorbed nor does it impede the absorption of nutrients. It does not act chemically in any fashion to stimulate peristalsis, as do the anthraquinone glycosides of cascara sagrada and senna.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
Veratrum alkaloids may potentiate the activity of psyllium up to 50%. The hypotensive effect of the herb may also be potentiated by anorectic drugs, such as fenfluramine, whose effects are mediated by brainstem 5HT.
In addition, additive effects may occur between the hypotensive property of this herb and dopamine receptor agonists such as bromocriptine mesylate. Psyllium should not be used with methotrimeprazine, a potent CNS depressant analgesic.
The cholinergic action of psyllium may be antagonized by antihistamines, anticholinergics (atropine), nitrites, nitrates, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and tetraethylammonium chloride.
Conversely, the cholinergic action of the herb may potentiate depolarizing muscle relaxants such as decamethonium. If the interaction is severe, respiratory paralysis may result.
The German Commission E also notes the possibility for psyllium seeds and husks to delay the absorption of other medications. It may also require the reduction of insulin dosage in IDDM.
Comments
Due to the presence of blood serum platelet aggregation inhibitors (e.g., linolenic acid), psyllium may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as heparin.
The hypotensive property of psyllium may be additive with CNS depressant activity of the analgesics nalbuphine HCl. and propoxyphene HCl.
Concomitant administration of psyllium and salicylates is not recommended.
Since psyllium's action depends on the presence of cholinergic substances, it will be affected by the decrease in cholinergic-receptor stimulation produced by anticholinergics.
The absorbent nature of psyllium may inhibit absorption of lincomycin and digitalis.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
When administered properly, psyllium is completely free from systemic side effects because it is not absorbed.
Esophageal obstruction has occurred in persons who have difficulty in swallowing such as those with strictures of the esophagus. There have also been reports of acute bronchospasms resulting from the inhalation of certain bulk-forming laxatives.
Because of the danger of fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction, bulk-forming laxatives should not be taken by individuals with intestinal ulcerations, stenosis, or disabling adhesions.
Finally, persons suffering from cathartic colon due to abuse of stimulant laxatives such as rhubarb, aloes, cascara or senna, should be warned that taking psyllium could result in intestinal obstruction.
Psyllium seeds (black and blonde husks) have approval status by the German Commission E.
The German Commission E recommends a limited duration for the use of this herb of 3 - 4 days if diarrhea persists and recommends consulting a physician.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Three times a day
Powdered seed
5-10 grams
Tea
made from 1-3 tsp of powdered seed
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
| Black seed: | 10 - 30 g. |
| Blonde seed: | 12 - 40 g. |
| Husk: | 4 - 20 g. |
The German Commission E recommends a limited duration for the use of seed or husk of 3 - 4 days if diarrhea persists and recommends consulting a physician.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Am Hospital Formulary Service. Am Soc of Hosp Pharm. Wash, D.C.
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Bressler, R., M.D. Bogdonoff & G.J. Subak-Sharpe. 1981. The Physicians Drug Manual. Doubleday & Co, Inc. Garden City, NY. 1213 pp.
Cohen, M.S. 1970. Therapeutic Drug Interactions. University of Wisconsin Medical Center. Madison, WS.
Committee on Pharmocopaeia of the Am Institute of Homeopathy, The Homeopathic Pharmacopaeia of the United States. 8th ed., Vol 1. Otis Clapp and Son, Agents, Boston, l981.
Drug package insert (FDA approved official brochure) and other labeling based on sponsored clinical investigations and New Drug Application data.
Goodman, L.S. & A. Gilman. 1975. Pharm Basis of Thera. Macmillan, NY.
Hansten, P.D. 1979. Drug Interactions, 4th ed. Lea & Febiger, Phila.
Hyde. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Brit Herb Med Assoc: England, 1983.
Kastrup, E.K., ed. 1981. Drug Facts and Comparisons, 1982 edition. Facts and Comparisions Division, J.P. Lippincott Co, Phila(St. Louis).
List, P. & L. Hoerhammer. 1969-1976. Hagers Hanbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, vols. 2-5. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Martin, E.W. 1978. Drug Interactions Index, 1978/79. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Scientific Committee, British Herbal Pharmocopaeia, British Herbal Med Assoc, Lane House, Cowling, Nr. Keighley, West Yorks, Bd Bd220LX, l983.
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