LIPID-LOWERING EFFICACY OF PSYLLIUM HYDROPHILIC MUCILLOID IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

The effect of the administration of 3.5 g of psyllium husk twice daily for 90 days was investigated in 24 patients of non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) with hyperlipidaemia. After 90 days of treatment, psyllium was withdrawn and the patients were followed up for a further 90 days. Psyllium significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC; 19.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; 23.7%), triglycerides (TG; 27.2%) and the ratio of LDL-C to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 24.1%) and the lowering was sustained even up to 90 days after cessation of treatment. The level of HDL-C also showed a significant increase of 15.8 per cent but this effect was not sustained after cessation of treatment. The compliance was very good and no adverse effects were observed. This study indicated that psyllium husk is an effective and well tolerated adjunct to diet for the treatment of mild to moderate hyperlipidaemia in NIDDM patients.