Regular consumption of psyllium husks and a selected herbal mixture counteracts various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases – at least in women. Improvements can be expected in particular in cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI).
A research team from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Malaysia examined the effects of psyllium husks and a special herbal mixture on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The results are published in the “Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science”.
Psyllium husks plus herbal mixture
Numerous previous studies have already proven that psyllium husks not only improve digestion. This also provided evidence of a possible preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases.
Numerous medicinal plants are also said to have an effect against various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The researchers therefore investigated whether significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors can be achieved through a combined intake of psyllium husks and certain medicinal plants.
intake for one month
The research team tested the effects of psyllium husks and a herbal mixture of the following medicinal plants on a total of 24 adult women
- Garcinia cambogia,
- Quercus infectoria (Eichenart),
- Pueraria mirifica,
- Piper betle (Betelpfeffer),
- Labisia pumila
Astaxanthin, ginger and honey were also added to the dietary supplement, the researchers explain. Twelve women then received 25 grams of this nutritional supplement per day for one month, while the twelve women in the control group did not take any supplement.
BMI and cholesterol levels improved
According to the researchers, subsequent studies showed that both the BMI and the ratio of total cholesterol to LDL cholesterol fell significantly in the supplement group compared to the control group.
However, an increase in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was also noted as a result of taking it, which may indicate an undesirable effect on the liver. However, according to the researchers, the increases were still within a normal range.
Risks for the liver?
According to the study results, supplementation with psyllium husks and the above-mentioned herbal mixture can have a positive effect on key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adult women, but possible negative effects on the liver should not be ignored.
According to the researchers, liver damage could occur, especially after long-term consumption, which is why further studies should now be carried out to verify this effect. (fp)
