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Psyllium Husk

Botanical Name(s): Plantago Ovata Husk
Family Name: Plantaginaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Plantago afra
Species: P. psyllium
Popular Name(s): Indian Plantago, Ispaghula, Fleam, Spogel Seeds, Isabgol, Sand Plantain, Flea Seed
Parts Used: Husk, Seed.
Habitat: Mediterranean region and commercially grown in Northwestern India.

Description
Psyllium seed husk is a portion of the seeds of the plant plantago ovate. The husk covers the seeds that form a part of many foods. Psyllium husk is a natural, water soluble, gel-reducing fiber that becomes mucilaginous when wet. The plant contains 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber. It is native to India and Pakistan. The annual crop is cultivated in the Northwestern region of India. Rajasthan alone accounts for 60% of the world’s production of psyllium. It is cultivated in over 50,000 hectares in Mehsana, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districts of Gujarat and Jalore, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. It is commonly known as ispaghula and isabgol.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- monomeric arabinose, xylose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, semi drying fatty oil, aucubin.

Uses & Benefits of Psyllium Husk
Caution