Know your natural ‘bulk’ laxative – Ispaghula

The laxatives market in all societies has been thriving since time immemorial. Humans are the only species who have managed to take their lifestyles away from things natural. This is particularly true of our eating and dietary habits which are based on refined foods. Among the many complications stemming from imbibing refined foods is the problem of constipation. This has naturally led to the use of laxatives. Curiously, one of the best laxatives with almost no known ill-effects is a natural product by the name of Ispaghula. This natural ‘bulk’ laxative – also known as Psyllium – has been part of our folk and ayurvedic heritage and it is now popular in many parts of the world. It has been able to retain a significant presence in the arena of laxatives. What may not be so well known is that it has other beneficial side effects.

How does Ispaghula act? The explanation is simple. The Ispaghula husk absorbs water and swells up, and therefore adds bulk to the intestinal contents. This property of the husk increases the stool weight and reduces the gut transit time, which is why it is helpful in relieving complaints of constipation. It is important to take laxatives such as Psyllium with sufficient amounts of water or liquid in order to reduce the risk of bowel obstruction. As an effective bulking agent, Ispaghula works as an aid to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea.

What may seem interesting is that this widely established laxative is actually a cholesterol reducing agent too! Ispaghula is derived from the husks of the seeds of a plant called Plantago ovata, which is rich in soluble dietary fibre. A modest lowering of the ‘total cholesterol’ and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in blood has been documented with the consumption of Psyllium when taken for eight weeks. This is the reason Psyllium seed husk has been added to many readymade cereal brands. Psyllium should not be, however, considered as some potent lipid lowering agent. Those who urgently require lipid reductions should not rely solely on this agent for improving lipid profiles. Another significant benefit expected from Psylium is its possible role in reducing the risk of colon cancer and in reducing blood sugar levels. Further investigations are needed to confirm these findings.

nsingh.rxpress@expressindia.com