Soluble fibre (Psyllium) acts as a hypocholesterolemic agent. Soluble fibre (Psyllium) helps block the synthesis of cholesterol through its fermentation into Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) by the intestinal flora (friendly bacteria in the colon). When soluble fibre reaches the colon, it starts a fermentation process with the gut flora producing SCFA.
Several studies of Fibre Therapeutic Diet are done at New Orleans, at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine in Lexington and at Chicago Center of Clinical Research. These studies showed that when soluble fibre (Psyllium) is consumed either with high or low fat diet, it helps decrease total as well as LDL cholesterol.

Psyllium helps control the rise of blood glucose following a meal. It also helps reduce insulin requirement in-patients with diabetes mellitus.

Psyllium treats / prevents constipation or diarrhea. Soluble fibre in Psyllium adds bulk to faecal mass. It increases activity in bowel movement and increases intestinal transit time. It helps keep regularity. Psyllium acts as a detoxifying agent. Through its ability to absorb large amounts of water, it binds with heavy metals and chemical toxins. Psyllium is useful during radiation therapy due to its ability to rid the body of radiation induced toxemia.

Psyllium increases the bulk of the material reaching the colon. It increases bowel movement and reduces the pressure on gastrointestinal (GI) walls. Such control helps decrease symptoms associated with diverticulosis. It also helps avoid diverticular inflammation (diverticulitis).

Psyllium increases the bulk of the stool and decreases transit time. This dilutes the concentration of potential carcinogens in the stool. It also decreases the exposure of intestinal wall to the toxic compounds found in the stool

Psyllium mucilage absorbs water and expands substantially. In the stomach, Psyllium expansion produces feeling of fullness. This causes a decrease in food intake. Psyllium has no harmful chemical side effects; it is just a herb that is loaded with beneficial soluble fibre.

1 Psyllium is used for Veterinary practices because psyllium seed husk contains 80 percent water-soluble fiber, it has the ability to capture and move sand through a horse’s digestive system.
2 To prevent choking when feeding psyllium, a horse should have unlimited access to water, and horses that bolttheir grain should be slowed down with large rocks in their feeders.
3 Psyllium is also used as horse feed, even foals feed without any harmful side effects.
4 Psyllium is used as a preventive for sand accumulation in animals mainly in sandy region.