Psyllium

Psyllium, a substance extracted from the Desert Indianwheat (Plantago ovata) is a well-known type of fibre which boosts correct metabolism and digestive tract functions. The Desert Indianwheat is an annual plant, home to the countries of southern Europe, Pakistan and India. It grows most often on dry sandy or clay soils with sufficient content of nutrients and, mainly, of nitrogen but it is also cultivated on fields. Its principal active substance is a soluble fibre (psyllium) which is processed and used in pharmacology and phytotherapy. It is extracted from the seed husks separated from dried seeds by thrashing and grinded to powder. Psyllium is able to increase its volume about ten times by absorbing water, which is the main reason for its use in various special diet programmes in the framework of which it evokes a sense of saturation.