Use of Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata) in Poultry Feeding and Possible Application in Organic Production

Herbs or medicinal plants have gained significant attention due to their bioactive compounds that could act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer agents, etc. Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) is an Indian native herb. The water-loving (hydrophilic) mucilloid and water-soluble fiber derived from Plantago ovata have been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a crucial remedial mediator of constipation. Psyllium is a rich source of fiber and has many other remedial properties, including lowering the level of cholesterol, raising energy, relaxing inflammation, serving as an antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic, laxative, and also used in hemorrhoid therapy, and as weight loss agent. The blood serum cholesterol-lowering property of the psyllium husk had drawn the researchers' main focus; thus, Psyllium is thought to be a plausible herbal agent helpful in treating hyperlipidemia. In various animal models, cholesterol levels are reduced by binding Psyllium husk with bile acids in the intestinal, thereby lowering its absorption rate. Screening literature has demonstrated that Psyllium husk could be utilized as an antidiarrheal mediator to cope with the diarrheal symptoms associated with poultry farming disorders. Additionally, Psyllium may also benefit various poultry species' production and growth traits. The present chapter explored Psyllium's potential responsibility for coping the hypercholesterolemia and the uses of psyllium husk as a safe feed additive in poultry farming for organic production and lowering cholesterol in meat and for production of functional foods.