Psyllium, << SIHL ee uhm, >> is an herb grown chiefly in France, Spain, and India. There are several species. Psylliums grow as high as 2 feet (61 centimeters) and have leaves that look like grass. The plants have many small white flowers, which are arranged in spikes. Psylliums bear a seed that is used in medicines because of its laxative qualities. One species, which has the scientific name Plantago ovata, is used in some breakfast cereals.
Some medical researchers believe that seeds from P. ovata may help lower the level of cholesterol in a person’s bloodstream. Some cereal companies have added the seeds from this plant to their products and have used the medical claim in advertisements. Doctors consider people with high cholesterol levels at high risk of having a heart attack. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not confirmed psyllium’s effect on cholesterol levels. The FDA also fears that too much psyllium in a diet could cause health problems.
