Psyllium Husk Fibre
Research reviewed: up until 05/2023
Psyllium Husk Fibre (Plantago ovata) is a dietary supplement with 3 published peer-reviewed studies involving 246 participants, researched for Constipation, Diabetes.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Constipation
ModerateDiabetes
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Constipation
To compare the effects of mixed fibre and psyllium on bowel symptoms in patients with chronic constipation.
Study Type
Randomised clinical trial (Uncontrolled)
Purpose
To compare the effects of mixed fibre and psyllium on bowel symptoms in patients with chronic constipation.
Dose
10 g/day of psyllium (2 x 5g supplements dissolved in 8 oz. of liquid after meals) or 10 g/day of mixed fibre (2 x 5g supplements dissolved in 8 oz. of liquid after meals)
Participants
72 males and females aged 18-75 years
Duration
4 weeks
Results
The study found an association between 10g/day mixed fibre and 10g/day psyllium and improvements in constipation and quality of life. However, mixed fibre was more effective in relieving flatulence and bloating than psyllium.
How They Measured It
Constipation was evaluated using a stool and symptom diary. A questionnaire was used to evaluate bowel satisfaction, feelings of satiety, fullness after meals, abdominal bloating and flatulence. Quality of life was self-assessed with the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire.
To assess the effects of adding psyllium to a normal diet among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic constipation
Study Type
Randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To assess the effects of adding psyllium to a normal diet among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic constipation
Dose
10 g/day of psyllium (4 cookies x 2.5 g of psyllium) or placebo
Participants
51 males and females with type 2 diabetes
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Compared with the baseline and placebo groups, the study found an association between 10 g/day of psyllium and improvements in constipation symptoms, body weight, glucose, and lipid values. Researchers also observed a significant reduction of body weight (-2.0kg body weight and -0.8 kg/m2 BMI) after 12 weeks of psyllium therapy.
How They Measured It
A questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects on constipation.
Diabetes
To determine the effects of psyllium in addition to low-fat diet in type II diabetic patients
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design
Purpose
To determine the effects of psyllium in addition to low-fat diet in type II diabetic patients
Dose
15 g/day of psyllium (3 x 5g Psyllium powder dissolved into 250 mL water) or placebo
Participants
123 men and women with type II diabetes
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The study showed that 15g/day of psyllium added to a low-fat diet was associated with a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), triglycerides, glucose levels, total serum cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in diabetic patients after 12 weeks. Note that diabetes often raises triglycerides and LDL levels and thus increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The psyllium treatment was also found to be safe and well-tolerated by the participants.
How They Measured It
Plasma glucose, total serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were measured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Psyllium Husk Fibre research
There are currently 3 peer-reviewed studies on Psyllium Husk Fibre (Plantago ovata), involving 246 total participants. Research covers Constipation, Diabetes. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Psyllium Husk Fibre has been researched for: Constipation, Diabetes. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 3 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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