Its ingredients include alkaloids, amino acids, oils, protein, tannins, flavonoids, and a variety of sugars and carbohydrates.
Psyllium seeds are oval-shaped, odorless, practically tasteless, and are coated with mucilage.
Unlike wheat bran and other fibers, psyllium does not cause excessive gas and bloating. Used as a dietary fiber, psyllium makes stools softer, which helps relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and other intestinal disorders. It is considered a good intestinal cleanser in that it speeds waste matter through the digestive system, shortening the amount of time toxic substances stay in the body and thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer and other diseases. Soluble fibers such as psyllium can also help prevent the intestine from absorbing cholesterol. The best times to take it are early in the morning and just before going to bed.