Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a psyllium preparation for its short-term effect on defecation in 17 healthy young women. The experimental duration was 4 weeks which were divided into 4 consecutive periods: placebo (0g of psyllium) period (1st wk); 2g (2nd wk); 4g (3rd wk); and 8g (4g×2) (4th wk) of psyllium administration period. The test preparation, which was placebo or psyllium powder with sweetening material and flavoring, was taken after meal once a day with 180 ml of water. Compared with the effect of placebo, psyllium at a daily dose of more than 4g significantly increased the visual amount of the stool. The frequency of defecation was significantly increased by 8g of psyllium at a daily dose.
