Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is the seed coat of Plantago ovata, an annual plant grown mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. After harvest the seeds are cleaned and milled so the husk separates from the kernel, then the husk is sieved and graded by purity; powder grades are ground further to a set mesh size. The husk is rich in mucilage that forms a gel when wet, which is why it is used as a fiber ingredient and as a binder in gluten-free baking.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Flaked seed coat as separated from the seed, graded by purity (commonly 85%, 95%, 98% or 99%).
Whole husk milled to a stated mesh size (often in the 40 to 100 mesh range) for capsules, drink mixes and baking.
The percentage figure reflects how much foreign matter, light extraneous matter and seed kernel remain; higher grades are used for supplements and pharmaceutical products.
Husk from certified organic farms, processed under organic certification.
Husk treated (for example by steam) to meet tighter microbiological limits for supplements and ready-to-eat foods.
Husk made to a pharmacopoeia monograph for drug and fiber-supplement products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store psyllium husk in sealed bags in a cool, dry area, because it absorbs moisture readily and can clump or allow microbial growth if it gets damp. Keep it off the floor and away from strong odors. Suppliers usually state a best-before period from the manufacture date for unopened packaging.
Purity, swell volume and microbiology can differ from lot to lot and between crop years, so check each COA against your spec before release. Record the crop year and grade on the lot, and retest micro if a lot has been held a long time or stored in humid conditions. Use first-expiring lots first (FEFO).
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 101.9(c)(6)(i) names psyllium husk among the isolated nondigestible carbohydrates that are counted as dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Unjha, India
Psyllium processor near Unjha, Gujarat, making and exporting psyllium seed, husk and husk powder for food, supplement and private-label customers.
Manufacturer · Unjha, India
Unjha-based manufacturer and exporter of psyllium seed, husk and husk powder, which also supplies spices and offers private label.
Distributor
US wholesale ingredient supplier that sells organic and conventional psyllium as whole husk and powder, alongside proteins, flours and other bulk foods.
Manufacturer · Schaumburg, IL
US-registered psyllium company with processing plants in North Gujarat, India, supplying psyllium husk and husk powder to food and supplement makers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include whole husk, husk powder, purity grades, organic, sterilized / low-micro grades and uSP / pharmacopoeia grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect purity and extraneous matter, swell volume (swelling index), particle size / mesh, moisture and ash, microbiology, heavy metals and pesticides and identity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store psyllium husk in sealed bags in a cool, dry area, because it absorbs moisture readily and can clump or allow microbial growth if it gets damp. Keep it off the floor and away from strong odors. Suppliers usually state a best-before period from the manufacture date for unopened packaging.
21 CFR 101.9(c)(6)(i) names psyllium husk among the isolated nondigestible carbohydrates that are counted as dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label.
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