Phylum is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk-forming

                      laxative. It comes from a shrub-like herb called plantain that grows

                      worldwide. There are many species of plantain that can each

                      produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds. The plantain herb

                      that produces psyllium seed is not the same plant as edible

                      plantains. Psyllium husk is derived from these odorless, tasteless

                      seeds.

                      The soluble fiber found in psyllium husks plays an important role in

                      lowering cholesterol. Psyllium also softens stool and relieves

                      constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other

                      intestinal problems. When psyllium husk comes in contact with water,

                      it swells and forms a gelatinous mass that stimulates the transport of

                      waste through the intestinal tract. Several large population based

                      studies also suggest that there may be an association between

                      increased fiber intake and reduced risk of colon cancer, but results

                      of other studies have been conflicting.

                      Unlike wheat bran and some other fiber supplements, psyllium

                      generally does not cause excessive gas and bloating.

                       Constipation
                      Many well-designed studies have concluded that psyllium relieves

                      constipation. Psyllium is believed to speed the passage of stool

                      through the digestive tract by softening the stool and attracting

                      water thereby producing more bulk, which stimulates the transit of

                      waste through the gastrointestinal tract. Use of psyllium for this

                      purpose is standard practice in Asia, Europe, and North America.

                       Diarrhea
                      Psyllium can be used as a bulk-forming agent to help relieve mild

                      to moderate diarrhea. Psyllium soaks up a significant amount of

                      water in the digestive tract, thereby making stool firmer and, under

                      these circumstances, slower to pass.

                       Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
                      Several well-designed studies have found that soluble fiber

                      (including psyllium) helps regulate stool frequency and consistency

                      in people with IBS. Psyllium also has the additional advantages

                      over other sources of fiber of reducing flatulence and bloating.

                       Hemorrhoids
                      Psyllium may be recommended by a physician to help soften

                      stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.

                       Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
                      In a study of people with ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory

                      bowel disorder), psyllium seeds were as effective as the prescription

                      drug mesalamine in decreasing recurrences of the disease. In

                      addition, a physician may recommend the use of psyllium as a

                      bulking agent for mild to moderate cases of diarrhea from either

                      ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (another type of inflammatory

                      bowel disorder).

                       High Cholesterol
                      Soluble fibers such as those in psyllium husk, guar gum, and oat bran

                      have a cholesterol-lowering effect when added to a low-fat, low-

                      cholesterol diet. Studies have shown psyllium to be quite effective in

                      lowering total as well as LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which can be

                      helpful to those with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and those

                      at increased risk for developing hypercholesterolemia, such as

                      people with type 2 diabetes.

                       Diabetes
                      Studies suggest that a high-fiber diet, which may include psyllium, an

                      lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol and

                      triglyceride levels in people with diabetes. This type of diet may also

                      help prevent diabetes in those at risk for the condition.

                       Obesity
                      Studies and clinical reports suggest that psyllium may enhance the

                      sensation of fullness and reduce hunger cravings. For these reasons,

                      incorporating psyllium and other sources of fiber into the diet may

                      aid weight loss.

                       High Blood Pressure
                      Although the studies are not entirely conclusive, the addition of fiber

                      (namely, 12 grams of soluble fiber per day), particularly psyllium, may

                      help lower blood pressure.

                       Heart Disease
                      Incorporating high-fiber foods (such as psyllium-enriched cereals) into

                      the diet may help lower heart disease risk.

                       Colon Cancer
                      Although initial reports were promising, studies investigating the value

                      of a high-fiber diet for colorectal cancer have been conflicting. While

                      some studies evaluating groups of people have suggested that fiber

                      protects against the development of colorectal cancer, most large,

                      better-designed studies have found only a minimal association between

                      fiber intake and colorectal cancer risk. In addition, fiber does not appear

                      to protect against the recurrence of colorectal cancer in people who

                      have already been treated for the condition.

                       Other types of cancer
                      Preliminary evidence suggests that a diet high in fiber (in conjunction

                      with other lifestyle changes and conventional medication) may help

                      protect against the development of certain types of cancer such as

                      prostate, breast, and lining of the uterus. Further studies are needed

                      to confirm these findings, however.

                                                        (Above information from a report issued by the

                                                         University of Maryland Medical Center)