About Psyllium

Whole Psyllium Husk Powder is a natural, water-soluble fiber derived from the seed husks of the Plantago ovata plant. It consists primarily of hemicellulose, a polysaccharide that forms a viscous gel when mixed with water. This gel-forming property is responsible for its primary physiological effects as a bulk-forming laxative and stool softener. The 'whole' designation indicates minimal processing, retaining the natural husk structure. It is classified as a dietary fiber supplement and is widely used for gastrointestinal health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar regulation.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
582

Compare All Forms

7 forms

Compare supplement forms of Psyllium by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Psyllium (not specified)
  • DSLD group id: 582
— — — View →
Psyllium (unspecified)
  • DSLD group id: 2322
— — — View →
Psyllium fiber — — — View →
Psyllium Husk — — — View →
Psyllium Husk Capsules

Take with plenty of water. May interfere with medication abs...

  • UNII: VU71C15U6I
  • CAS: 8063-16-9
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Psyllium Husk Wafers/Cookies

A convenient, palatable form of psyllium husk fiber. Must be...

  • CAS: 8063-16-9 (for Psyllium husk mucilage)
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Whole Psyllium Husk Powder

Take with plenty of water. May interfere with absorption of...

  • UNII: VU71C15U6I
  • CAS: 8063-16-9
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

cáscara de psilio, Ispaghula husk cookies, Plantago psyllium husk products, plantago sp., psyberloid sr, Psyllium (not specified), Psyllium fiber cookies, Psyllium husk biscuits, psyllium husk extract, dry, psyllium husk extract, dry, raw, psyllium husk glycerite liquid extract, psyllium powder extract, Psyllium seed husk wafers

Type: Herbs

Plant-based supplements derived from leaves, roots, flowers, or other plant parts. Often used in traditional medicine systems.

Absorption: Many herbs require specific extraction methods or co-factors (like piperine for curcumin) for optimal absorption.

Interactions: Herbs can have significant drug interactions. Some herbs have blood-thinning effects. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Psyllium forms:

And 12 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Psyllium forms:

And 3 more side effects...