Psyllium Fiber Research Articles

Dietary psyllium fiber increases intestinal heat shock protein 25 expression in mice

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) protect intestinal epithelial cell function, integrity and viability against many forms of stress. We hypothesized that dietary fibers (DFs) in the diet may increase HSP expression, since DFs are known to exhibit beneficial effects on intestinal health. The present study investigated the regulation of intestinal HSP expression by DFs, particularly psyllium fiber. Feeding psyllium fiber for 5 d increased HSP25 expression, but not HSP32 and HSP70 expression in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of mice at both the protein and mRNA levels. The increases in HSP25 expression did not correlate with cecal organic acid production by microbial fermentation. The water-insoluble fraction of psyllium fiber largely contributed to the induction of HSP25 expression, but feeding with other water-insoluble DFs from beet, wheat, and oats failed to induce intestinal HSP25 expression. Although the water-holding capacity of psyllium fiber was much higher than those of the other water-insoluble DFs examined, the increase in HSP25 expression induced by feeding polycarbophil, which possesses a high water-holding capacity similar to that of psyllium fiber, was much lower than that induced by psyllium fiber. Finally, induction of malondialdehyde production by hydrogen peroxide, an oxidant, in the colon of mice fed psyllium fiber was lower than that in mice fed with the control diets. Taken together, feeding psyllium fiber, especially the water-insoluble fraction, increases intestinal HSP25 expression and suppresses oxidant-induced malondialdehyde production.

Utilization of Plant Dietary Fibers to Reinforce Low-Calorie Dairy Dessert Structure

Effect of plant fibers, carrageenan, and starch concentration on mechanical properties and syneresis measurements of low-calorie dairy desserts was studied simultaneously using the response surface methodology. Apple, bamboo, inulin, wheat, and psyllium fibers were tested individually, through five distinct experimental designs. Results were compared to a regular dairy dessert, formulated with sugar and whole milk, and a low-calorie formulation with no added fiber. Diet dessert with no added fiber presented higher syneresis and impaired mechanical properties as compared to regular formulation. Results showed that carrageenan, starch, and fibers played distinct roles in compensating the reduction observed on the syneresis test and mechanical properties of low-calorie desserts. While carrageenan and starch showed higher influence on reducing gel syneresis, fiber addition decreased the negative effect on mechanical properties resulting from the fat/sugar removal of the diet formulation.

Ground flaxseed increased nitric oxide levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized comparative effectiveness study of supplemental flaxseed and psyllium fiber

Despite reported benefits of flaxseeds and psyllium, to our knowledge no studies have compared their effectiveness in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). While both psyllium and flaxseeds are plant-derived fibers, flaxseeds contain additional compounds associated with cardiovascular health including alpha linolenic acid, phytoestrogen lignans, vitamin E and carotenoids. The objectives were to determine primarily whether flaxseeds were more effective than psyllium at improving weight and cardiovascular health (glucose, lipids and blood pressure) and secondarily inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with T2D. We hypothesized, when matched for fiber mass content, daily supplementation with ground flaxseeds (28 g/d) would be more effective than ground psyllium fiber (9 g/d) for improving adiposity and glycemic regulation, serum lipids, blood pressure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in participants with T2D. In this comparative effectiveness parallel-design study, adults (18-75y) with T2D were randomized to consume either supplement for 8 weeks with anthropometrics and blood samples collected at baseline and week 8. Flaxseed and psyllium reduced waist circumference (−2.8 ± 2.0 and −1.2 ± 2.4 cm, respectively; p = 0.002 within groups) and oxidized lipoproteins (−2.8 ± 4.2 and −0.1 ± 1.5 nM/L, respectively; p = 0.037 within groups) without affecting body mass, lipids, or blood pressure. Flaxseeds alone increased nitric oxide (+2.4 ± 3.3 vs −0.9 ± 2.7 nM/L; p = 0.044 between groups) suggesting flaxseeds may offer additional vasoprotection. Thus, fiber supplementation is an effective means to reduce waist circumference and oxidative stress in individuals with T2D. In addition, this study was the first to show that flaxseeds increase nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature of subjects with T2D.

Additional therapy for cholesterol lowering in ezetimibe-treated, statin-intolerant patients in clinical practice: results from an internal audit of a university lipid clinic

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of alternative approaches to improve cholesterolemia control in patients with statin-related myalgia treated with ezetimibe.Research design and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 3534 Clinical Report Forms (CRFs) filled in the period June 2012–June 2015 for first visits to the lipid clinic of the University of Bologna. For this study, we selected 252 CRFs based on the following criteria: statin-related myalgia, previous failed treatment with at least two low-dosed statins, well tolerated treatment with ezetimibe. Then, the following lipid-lowering treatments were added in order to improve the ezetimibe low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering efficacy, based on clinical judgment: fenofibrate 145 mg, rosuvastatin 5 mg 1 tablet/week, rosuvastatin 5 mg 2 tablets/week, red yeast rice (standardized in monacolin K 3 mg) + berberine 500 mg, berberine 500 mg b.i.d., phytosterols 900 mg + psyllium fiber 3.5 g b.i.d. Patients continuing to claim a tolerable myalgia were then treated with coenzyme Q10 nanoemulsions 200 mg/day.Results: The treatment with standard lipid-lowering diet plus ezetimibe alone was associated with a mean LDL-C reduction of 17 ± 2%. The additive LDL-lowering effect with the various tested treatment was: −16 ± 2% with fenofibrate 145 mg/day, −13 ± 1% with rosuvastatin 5 mg 1 tablet/week, −17 ± 3% with rosuvastatin 5 mg 2 tablets/week, −19 ± 4% with red yeast rice + berberine, −17 ± 4% with berberine b.i.d. and −10 ± 3% with phytosterols + psyllium b.i.d.; 11% of the patients treated with fenofibrate required treatment modification because of myalgia recurrence, while the percentage was negligible for the other tested treatments. In patients with residual tolerable myalgia, treatment with coenzyme Q10 for 8 weeks was associated with a mean improvement of the graduated myalgia score from 4.8 ± 1.9 to 2.9 ± 1.3 (p = 0.013).Conclusions: Some alternative treatments seems to be effective and well tolerated, thus improving the ezetimibe effect on cholesterolemia.

Psyllium Fiber Reduces Abdominal Pain in Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

We sought to determine the efficacy of psyllium fiber treatment on abdominal pain and stool patterns in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We evaluated effects on breath hydrogen and methane production, gut permeability, and microbiome composition. We also investigated whether psychological characteristics of children or parents affected the response to treatment. We performed a randomized, double-blind trial of 103 children (mean age, 13 ± 3 y) with IBS seen at primary or tertiary care settings. After 2 weeks on their habitual diet, children began an 8-day diet excluding carbohydrates thought to cause symptoms of IBS. Children with ≥75% improvement in abdominal pain were excluded (n= 17). Children were assigned randomly to groups given psyllium (n= 37) or placebo (maltodextrin, n= 47) for 6 weeks. Two-week pain and stool diaries were compared at baseline and during the final 2 weeks of treatment. We assessed breath hydrogen and methane production, intestinal permeability, and the composition of the microbiome before and after administration of psyllium or placebo. Psychological characteristics of children were measured at baseline. Children in the psyllium group had a greater reduction in the mean number of pain episodes than children in the placebo group (mean reduction of 8.2 ± 1.2 after receiving psyllium vs mean reduction of 4.1 ± 1.3 after receiving placebo; P= .03); the level of pain intensity did not differ between the groups. Psychological characteristics were not associated with response. Atthe end of the study period, the percentage of stools that were normal (Bristol scale scores, 3-5), breath hydrogen or methane production, intestinal permeability, and microbiome composition were similar between groups. Psyllium fiber reduced the number of abdominal pain episodes in children with IBS, independent of psychological factors. Psyllium did not alter breath hydrogen or methane production, gut permeability, or microbiome composition. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT00526903.

Psyllium fiber improves glycemic control proportional to loss of glycemic control: a meta-analysis of data in euglycemic subjects, patients at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and patients being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus

A number of health benefits are associated with intake of soluble, viscous, gel-forming fibers, including reduced serum cholesterol and the attenuation of postprandial glucose excursions. We assess the effects of psyllium, which is a soluble, gel-forming, nonfermented fiber supplement, on glycemic control in patients who were being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in patients who were at risk of developing T2DM. A comprehensive search was performed of available published literature (Scopus scientific database) and clinical records stored by Procter & Gamble with the use of key search terms to identify clinical studies that assessed the glycemic effects of psyllium in nondiabetic, pre-T2DM, and T2DM patients. We identified 35 randomized, controlled, clinical studies that spanned 3 decades and 3 continents. These data were assessed in 8 meta-analyses. In patients with T2DM, multiweek studies (psyllium dosed before meals) showed significant improvement in both the fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration (-37.0 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) [-0.97% (-10.6 mmol/mol); P = 0.048]. Glycemic effects were proportional to baseline FBG; no significant glucose lowering was observed in euglycemic subjects, a modest improvement was observed in subjects with pre-T2DM, and the greatest improvement was observed in subjects who were being treated for T2DM. These data indicate that psyllium would be an effective addition to a lifestyle-intervention program. The degree of psyllium's glycemic benefit was commensurate with the loss of glycemic control. Because the greatest effect was seen in patients who were being treated for T2DM, additional studies are needed to determine how best to incorporate psyllium into existing prevention and treatment algorithms with concomitant hypoglycemic medications.

Loperamide Versus Psyllium Fiber for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence: The Fecal Incontinence Prescription (Rx) Management (FIRM) Randomized Clinical Trial.

Fecal incontinence is a devastating condition with few US Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacologic treatment options. Loperamide and psyllium, both first-line treatments, have different mechanisms of action without any comparative data. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and tolerability of loperamide compared with psyllium for reducing fecal incontinence. We hypothesized that psyllium fiber supplementation would be more effective than loperamide for reducing fecal incontinence episodes and have fewer adverse effects. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial comparing loperamide (followed by psyllium) with psyllium (followed by loperamide). Our sites included outpatient clinics within a Veterans Affairs medical center and university affiliate. Participants included community-dwelling adults (n = 80) with at least 1 fecal incontinent episode on a 7-day bowel diary. Participants received either daily loperamide (plus placebo psyllium powder) or psyllium powder (plus loperamide placebo) for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout, participants crossed over to 4 weeks of alternate treatment. The primary outcome was the number of fecal incontinence episodes from 7-day bowel diaries. Secondary outcomes included symptom severity, quality of life, and tolerability. Mean age was 60.7 ± 10.1 years; 68% were men. After determining nonsignificant carryover effects, combined analyses showed no differences between the loperamide and psyllium groups for reducing fecal incontinent episodes, symptom severity, or quality of life. Within each group, both loperamide and psyllium reduced fecal incontinent episodes and improved symptom severity and quality of life. Constipation occurred in 29% of participants for loperamide vs 10% for psyllium. Limitations include the washout period length and dropout rate after crossing over to the second intervention. Both loperamide and psyllium improve fecal incontinence. Loperamide was associated with more adverse effects, especially constipation.

Clinical Management of Lymphocytic Colitis With Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin/Protein Isolate (SBI)

The pathophysiology of lymphocytic colitis (LC) is not completely understood. Current hypotheses implicate abnormal mucosal immune response to luminal antigens in combination with genetic predisposition. Five cases detail the outcomes of adding serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) for the nutritional management of these unresponsive LC patients. SBI's unique mechanism includes binding microbial components and maintaining normal GI immune balance which makes it a candidate therapy in LC patients. Five patients were administered SBI for LC. All patients were female with an average age of 71±7.1 yrs. Patient 1 was admitted to the hospital with 20-24 bowel movements (BM) per day with cramps and urgency. Biopsies from a colonoscopy were consistent with LC. She was placed on mesalamine and methylprednisolone without any change. Patient 2 had tried and failed multiple tapering doses of budesonide for 2 yrs with continual multiple, loose stools per day. Patient 3 had been diagnosed with IBS-D for 15 yrs and failed all over-the-counter options. Recent biopsies, however, indicated LC. Patient 4 had a poor response to steroids and psyllium fiber for 2.5 yrs with a history of fecal incontinence (FI). Patient 5 had a diagnosis of LC for 1.5 yrs; she had a history of anal fistula repairs with multiple loose BM in the a.m. accompanied by intermittent episodes of FI. She had no response to mesalamine, loperamide or antibiotics. Incorporating SBI dramatically improved symptoms for all patients. Patient 1 was discharged from the hospital on SBI 5g QD and continued on 1.2g mesalamine having 4 formed BM without cramping, urgency or bleeding. However, if the patient missed more than two days of SBI, she quickly experienced 10-14 watery BM daily. Patient 2 first began SBI 5g BID with budesonide, but was able to discontinue the steroid while maintaining normal BM on SBi monotherapy. Patient 3 was placed on budesonide and SBI 5g QD normal BM within a week. Patient 4 began SBI 5g QD in addition to psyllium fiber and at follow-up reported formed stools with no episodes of FI. After initiating SBI 5g QD, Patient 5 reported 1-2 formed BM without FI. All patients are currently maintained on SBI in combination with the therapies indicated above for more than 6 months. No side effects have been experienced on SBI during that time. The exact manner in which SBI manages LC is not known. The outcomes of these cases, however, suggest that LC patients may benefit from the distinct nutritional proteins in SBI for management of their conditions. Larger, well-controlled studies in patients with LC and/or FI should be performed to corroborate these findings.

Short-chain fatty acid profiles from flaxseed dietary fibres after in vitro fermentation of pig colonic digesta: Structure–function relationship

Abstract Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is rich in dietary fibres. There are four major soluble dietary fibre fractions, and their molecular structures have been characterised; however, the structure–function relationship on the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles is still unknown. SCFA profiles produced by in vitro fermentation of pig colonic digesta with soluble flaxseed dietary fibre fractions were determined by gas chromatography with psyllium arabinoxylans as the reference fibres. The results revealed that total SCFA production from all tested dietary fibres were significantly higher than negative control (NC) after 72 h fermentation. Acetic acid was the major SCFA produced, followed by propionic acid and butyric acid during 72 h fermentation. The acetic acid production from flaxseed kernel xyloglucans, and butyric acid production from flaxseed mucilage arabinoxylans were significantly higher than negative control (NC) after 48 h fermentation. Both psyllium and flaxseed mucilage arabinoxylans promoted butyric acid production more effectively than other tested dietary fibres during 48 h fermentation, while flaxseed kernel xyloglucans and flaxseed RG-I were more effective on promoting acetic acid production. The dietary fibre strucutre played major roles on promoting specific SCFAs, and the conformational characteristics might contribute to the difference of fermentability rates. Flaxseed dietary fibres were relatively slower fermentable dietary fibres as compared with psyllium fibres, and all flaxseed dietary fibres had higher level of total SCFA production than psyllium fibres after 72 h incubation. This research should further promotes the utilisation of flaxseed dietary fibres, and contributes to the optimisation of colonic health based on more balanced diets with both grain and oilseed.

Developing consumer acceptable biscuits enriched with Psyllium fibre.

Consumer's demand for functional food is a trend of the last decades. Nowadays, the attention is focused on the development of products with health claims on the label, which can result in value-added products for the producers companies. Cookies are popular staple foods in the human diet in many countries and are generally well accepted by consumers due to their sensory attributes, long shelf life and convenience. The incorporation of solid components on the biscuit dough, such as dietary fibre, could have serious implications on its structure and perceived texture which explains the technological limitations for the fibre incorporation. The aim of this work is to develop an enriched functional biscuit with Psyllium fibre and understand the impact of the new ingredient on physicochemical and sensorial properties of the dough and biscuits. The optimum biscuit's formulation was determined using the response surface methodology (RSM). Effects of wheat flour (48-52%) and Psyllium (3-9%) contents on the dimensional features (spread ratio, expansion factor), water activity, colour parameters (L*, a*, b*), texture characteristics (firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness) and sensory properties (colour, flavour, texture, overall acceptability) of dough and biscuits were investigated. The most representative parameters evaluated were used to develop biscuits with similar features to commercial references. An optimum formulation was obtained by incorporating 6% Psyllium and 50% flour. This biscuit has the enough amount of Psyllium soluble fibre recommended by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the risk of coronary heart disease and to bear a health claim on the label.

Gluten-free dough-making of specialty breads: Significance of blended starches, flours and additives on dough behaviour

The capability of different gluten-free (GF) basic formulations made of flour (rice, amaranth and chickpea) and starch (corn and cassava) blends, to make machinable and viscoelastic GF-doughs in absence/presence of single hydrocolloids (guar gum, locust bean and psyllium fibre), proteins (milk and egg white) and surfactants (neutral, anionic and vegetable oil) have been investigated. Macroscopic (high deformation) and macromolecular (small deformation) mechanical, viscometric (gelatinization, pasting, gelling) and thermal (gelatinization, melting, retrogradation) approaches were performed on the different matrices in order to (a) identify similarities and differences in GF-doughs in terms of a small number of rheological and thermal analytical parameters according to the formulations and (b) to assess single and interactive effects of basic ingredients and additives on GF-dough performance to achieve GF-flat breads. Larger values for the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics and higher viscometric profiles during both cooking and cooling corresponded to doughs formulated with guar gum and Psyllium fibre added to rice flour/starch and rice flour/corn starch/chickpea flour, while surfactant- and protein-formulated GF-doughs added to rice flour/starch/amaranth flour based GF-doughs exhibited intermediate and lower values for the mechanical parameters and poorer viscometric profiles. In addition, additive-free formulations exhibited higher values for the temperature of both gelatinization and retrogradation and lower enthalpies for the thermal transitions. Single addition of 10% of either chickpea flour or amaranth flour to rice flour/starch blends provided a large GF-dough hardening effect in presence of corn starch and an intermediate effect in presence of cassava starch (chickpea), and an intermediate reinforcement of GF-dough regardless the source of starch (amaranth). At macromolecular level, both chickpea and amaranth flours, singly added, determined higher values of the storage modulus, being strengthening effects more pronounced in presence of corn starch and cassava starch, respectively.

American College of Gastroenterology monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation ((CIC) also referred to as functional constipation) are two of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. IBS is a global problem, with anywhere from 5 to 15 % of the general population experiencing symptoms that would satisfy a defi nition of IBS ( 1,2 ). In a systematic review on the global prevalence of IBS, Lovell and Ford ( 1 ) documented a pooled prevalence of 11 % with all regions of the world suff ering from this disorder at similar rates. Given its prevalence, the frequency of symptoms, and their associated debility for many patients and the fact that IBS typically occurs in younger adulthood, an important period for furthering education, embarking on careers, and / or raising families, the socioeconomic impact of IBS is considerable. Th ese indirect medical costs are frequently compounded by the direct medical costs related to additional medical tests and the use of various medical and nonmedical remedies that may have limited impact. CIC is equally common; in another systematic review, Suares and Ford ( 3 ) reported a pooled prevalence of 14 % , and also noted that constipation was more common in females, in older subjects, and those of lower socioeconomic status ( 3 ). Chronic constipation has also been linked to impaired quality of life ( 4 ), most notably among the elderly ( 5 ). Neither IBS nor CIC are associated with abnormal radiologic or endoscopic abnormalities, nor are they associated with a reliable biomarker; diagnosis currently rests entirely, therefore, on clinical grounds. Although a number of clinical defi nitions of both IBS and CIC have been proposed, the criteria developed through the Rome process, currently in its third iteration, have been those most widely employed in clinical trials and, therefore, most relevant to any review of the literature on the management of these disorders. According to Rome III, IBS is defi ned on the basis of the presence of:

Development of hydrogels by radiation induced polymerization for use in slow drug delivery

In the present work, in order to improve the drug release profile of indinavir sulfate, a potent inhibitor of HIV protease, controlled drug delivery systems in the form of hydrogels have been designed by a radiation graft polymerization method. These hydrogels have been prepared by using dietary fiber psyllium and binary monomers mixture of acrylamide (AAm) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPSA). These polymers have been characterized with cryo-SEMs, FTIR, XRD and swelling studies. The swelling of hydrogels has been determined in solution of different pH, temperature and [NaCl]. in vitro release studies of model drug indinavir sulfate in different pH have been carried out to determine the drug release mechanism. The release of dug occurred through non-Fickian mechanism.

Effect of Psyllium fibre content on the textural and rheological characteristics of biscuit and biscuit dough

Abstract It is well supported that a significant intake of dietary fibre reduces the risk of several chronic diseases. The development of staple foods enriched with fibre is an important contribution to a broader supply of food products with health beneficial effect. In this sense, the objective of this work is the development of biscuits enriched with Psyllium fibre. The maximum level of Psyllium incorporation was studied. The effect of this fibre and wheat flour content on rheological behaviour and texture of the dough, and respective biscuits’ texture and colour were evaluated. Psyllium incorporation was tested from 3% to 15% (w/w), and the maximum fibre incorporated in this product was 9% (w/w), due to the high water holding capacity of Psyllium (17 g/g at 25 °C) and the mechanical characteristics of dough. For higher levels of fibre incorporation the dough fails to be moulding (the idea is malleable).

Restructured Gel Products from Farmed Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Muscle: Effect of Low Salt Levels, Psyllium Fiber, and Chilled Storage

New heat-induced gel products prepared from farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius) and psyllium dietary fiber (DF; up to 4.0%, w/w) with reduced salt content (from 2.5 to 1.0%, w/w) were studied. The effect of chilled storage time (15 days vs. 1 day) was also measured. Psyllium DF worsened breaking force and deformation as well as springiness, but it did not affect the remaining textural properties and improved water holding capacity (WHC). Salt reduction from 2.5 to 1.0% (w/w) decreased breaking force and deformation, cohesiveness, and WHC. The textural, color, and WHC properties of heat-induced meagre gels were unaffected by chilled storage time. Results pointed to the feasibility of using psyllium DF addition up to 4.0% (w/w) as a strategy not only to improve nutritional value of the gel products, but also to countervail some of the negative effects of a lower salt content.

A systematic review of anti-obesity medicinal plants - an update

Obesity is the most prevalent health problem affecting all age groups, and leads to many complications in the form of chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus Type 2 and stroke. A systematic review about safety and efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of obesity in human was carried out by searching bibliographic data bases such as, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex, for studies reported between 30th December 2008 to 23rd April 2012 on human or animals, investigating the beneficial and harmful effects of herbal medicine to treat obesity. Actually we limited our search to such a narrow window of time in order to update our article published before December of 2008. In this update, the search terms were “obesity” and (“herbal medicine” or “plant”, “plant medicinal” or “medicine traditional”) without narrowing or limiting search items. Publications with available abstracts were reviewed only. Total publications found in the initial search were 651. Total number of publications for review study was 33 by excluding publications related to animals study.Studies with Nigella Sativa, Camellia Sinensis, Crocus Sativus L, Seaweed laminaria Digitata, Xantigen, virgin olive oil, Catechin enriched green tea, Monoselect Camellia, Oolong tea, Yacon syrup, Irvingia Gabonensi, Weighlevel, RCM-104 compound of Camellia Sinensis, Pistachio, Psyllium fibre, black Chinese tea, sea buckthorn and bilberries show significant decreases in body weight. Only, alginate-based brown seaweed and Laminaria Digitata caused an abdominal bloating and upper respiratory tract infection as the side effect in the trial group. No other significant adverse effects were reported in all 33 trials included in this article.In conclusion, Nigella Sativa, Camellia Synensis, Green Tea, and Black Chinese Tea seem to have satisfactory anti-obesity effects. The effect size of these medicinal plants is a critical point that should be considered for interpretation. Although there was no report for side effect in these trials, we believe that safety of these plants still remains to be elucidated by further long-term studies.

The effect of linseed and psyllium fibre on the gelling properties of unwashed mince from farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

SummaryThe gelling properties of farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius) mince mixed with linseed and/or psyllium fibres (up to 4.0%, w/w) were studied. The effects of chilled storage time (15 days vs. 1 day) and cold gelling (setting at 2 ± 2 °C) were measured. Linseed addition increased ω3 PUFA content and worsened the gel products' texture. Psyllium functional fibre addition had only a negative effect upon breaking force and deformation, not affecting the remaining textural properties and improving water‐holding capacity (WHC) from 61–77 to 70–85%. The incorporation of 4.0% (w/w) psyllium seems to be advisable. Quality of heat‐induced meagre gels was unaffected by chilled storage time. Production of an acceptable cold set gel is feasible provided that enough time is allowed for completion of the setting process. Overall results showed a potential for combining small‐sized meagre (&lt;2 kg) and psyllium fibres to produce high added‐value functional foods.

Psyllium fiber food supplement in the management of stoma patients: results of a comparative prospective study

High ileostomy output may require dietary and pharmacologic manipulation. Psyllium fiber has been used in ileostomy patients because of its role in lipid and glucose absorption [1]. Psyllium fiber is also considered to have antidiarrheal effects, which is why it is sometimes recommended to decrease stoma output. The aim of this comparative non-randomized prospective study was to determine whether treatment with psyllium fiber decreased stoma output. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate whether the use of psyllium fiber had any effect on the number of disposable, single use stoma bags used by each patient. The number of bags used was considered a surrogate of stoma output. The secondary endpoint of this study was to assess the effect of psyllium intake on peristomal dermatitis. The psyllium fiber used was the seed husk of Plantago ovata Forssk., seminis tegumentum (Psyllogel Fibra— Nathura Srl, Montecchio Emilia (RE), Italy). Thirty-eight consecutive ileostomy patients (20 males and 18 females; mean age ± SD 66.3 years ± 10.8 years) referred to the outpatient Ostomates Rehabilitation Center (O.R.C.) at the ‘‘Sapienza,’’ University of Rome, between 2002 and 2007 were enrolled in the study. At the first visit (T0), all patients were instructed about a diet poor in fiber. The recommended diet included bread, pasta and rice, meat and fish, eggs, and aged cheese as well as some fruits like apples, pears, bananas, peaches, and apricots. Tea, barley, jam, honey, and biscuits were also allowed. It was strongly recommended not to eat: raw vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, fennel and celery, any kind of legumes, meat and vegetable soups, fruits such as kiwi, plums, grapes, and figs. The first 20 patients were also prescribed one bag of psyllium fiber (=7 g) between the two main meals and given recommendations about proper hydration, that is, intake of at least 2 l of water daily. These 20 patients were the treatment group, while the following 18 consecutive patients were the control group. The demographic data of the patients included in the study were collected, and the presence of peristomal dermatitis was evaluated and recorded. At T0, an approximate quantification of the daily ileostomy output was made based on the patient’s history taken by a skilled stoma nurse. Patients were instructed to use disposable stoma bags (one piece single use bags with a 340 ml capacity) and to record the number of bags used in a diary. The ileostomy output was evaluated as the number of 340-ml ileostomy bags used per day. The results in number of bags/day were converted into ml. Since the bag is replaced once, it is two-thirds of full each bag recorded was considered as 267 ml. Patients were instructed not to record bags changed because of accidents or social reasons. Patients were invited to come back for a follow-up visit every 2 weeks for 3 months: A final visit was scheduled at 90 days (T1) after study entry. The average ml/patient/day was significantly lower and the decrease in the output between TO and T1 was greater in the treatment group (Table 1). Peristomal dermatitis improved in both groups (Table 2). The latter finding is probably due to better management of the stoma by trained staff during the follow-up period. D. Crocetti F. Velluti (&) V. La Torre E. Orsi L. De Anna F. La Torre Surgery of Rectum and Pelvic Floor Unit, Emergency Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy e-mail: francescovelluti@hotmail.it

Design of Radiation Crosslinked Psyllium and Binary Monomers-Based Hydrogels for Use in Colon Drug Delivery

The present paper deals with the utilization of the cancer-lowering dietary fiber psyllium, for the development of double potential hydrogels meant for colon cancer drug delivery. The psyllium-acrylamide (AAm)-acrylic acid (AAc)-based hydrogels were synthesized by the radiation method and were characterized with FTIR, SEMs, and swelling behavior. Swelling and drug release mechanism were evaluated. The maximum water uptake (18.968 ± 0.880)g and (9.976 ± 0.364) g/g of gel were observed in solution of pH 7.4 buffer and solution of pH 2.2 buffer. respectively. The release of drug from the polymer matrix occurred through a Fickian-type diffusion mechanism.

Do Fiber and Psyllium Fiber Improve Diabetic Metabolism?

Increasing numbers of elderly individuals with diabetes look for natural means to manage their disease to reduce diabetes-related complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends a goal of 25 g to 35 g dietary fiber daily for a healthy diet. This review focuses on recent research that explores the utility of fiber and psyllium fiber in improving glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Fiber studies show decreased glucose concentrations and decreasing all-cause mortality. Small studies looking at psyllium fiber, in particular, have shown it to be associated with lower mean daily glucose concentrations, lower postmeal glucose concentrations, fewer hypoglycemic events, lower A1C levels, and lower insulin concentrations in people with DM. Results, as well as strengths and weaknesses of the studies, are presented. Considering the available research, we recommend elderly patients who are not able to meet their fiber goals by dietary intake consider psyllium supplementation.