Psyllium husk, which is the seed of Plantago psyllium L., Plantago arenaria Waldst. and Kit., or plantago ovata Forsk., belongs to Plantaginaceae family. Because it is absortive and contains much mucous components, it is frequently consumed as a mild laxative for obesity, constipation, diarrhea, cystitis and the other symptoms in the western countries.
To prove clinical utility, the herbal compounds of psyllium husk(containing psyllium husk, Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Visci Ramulus, and Polygonati Rhizoma) have been dosed to the rats caused obesity by high cholesterol diet. The results are as follows.
1. The herbal compounds of psyllium husk dosed to obese rats are useful for the inhibition of weight gain and the decrease of dietary intake.
2. The herbal compounds of psyllium husk dosed to obese rats show a slight decrease of fecal lipid levels(but without statistical significance).
3. The herbal compounds of psyllium husk dosed to obese rats decrease serum total cholesterol levels.
4. The herbal compounds of psyllium husk dosed to obese rats show a slight decrease of serum triglyceride levels(but without statistical significance).
5. The herbal compounds of psyllium husk show no changes to serum HDL cholesterol levels.
These results suggest that the herbal compounds of psyllium husk could be useful for the inhibition of appetite and the decrease of serum cholesterol levels.
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