An experiment was carried out to determine the behaviour of Psylium husk tablets in the gastrointestinal tract. Natural curiosity led to need for clarification as to whether the husk was performing a bulking or lubricating role with regards to faeces in the lower GI tract

THREAD

The contents of one 1420mg tablet was emptied into 20ml of water into a beaker. Due to the fine powered nature of the husk, strong stirring was needed from a 5ml spatula.

Fig 1: 5ml spatula

The contents were left to settle with occasional agitation consistent with the action of peristalsis in the GI tract.

Fig 2: Freshly mixed substrate

Within 2 minutes the solution had homogenised into an even, gravy like substance, with an odour similar to oatmeal.
The substance was left for 5 minutes and continued to homogenise, settling into a jam like substance exhibiting a high surface tension.

At 10 minutes, the reaction appears to have stabilised with the contents resembling the contents of an alien goo toy.

Additional water was added and the substance initially appeared stable, forming a clump at the bottom of the vessel despite mild agitation.

Fig 3: Clumps of Goo

After 5 minutes, the substance remained in this stable state and further agitation was performed to break up the clump and increase surface area of the gel to the water.

Fig 4: Agitated Goo

After a further 5 minutes, the clumped gel appears to be stable, not dissolving further into the solution. Further agitation breaks up the clumps, but these remain visibly floating in liquid rather than dissolving fully into solution.

Fig 5: Lumpy Goo ft. 5ml Spatula

At this stage the liquid had reached a stable, disgusting state and was disposed of.

Discussion:
Results indicate that Psylium husk has a process by which it clumps, forming cross linked polymer strands which adhere to one another. This polymer is no longer soluble in water, suggesting the effect on the GI tract is one of 'binder' and 'bulker' rather than...

one of lubrication as previously supposed.
Further research is likely to yield more rigorous results, and the researcher is happy to get PhD funding to investigate this further.

Limitations: It is unclear from literature review whether clear evidence exists for the advertised effect of Psylium husk.

A study could be designed utilising the Bristol Stool Chart and a gaggle of homosexuals to blind test this vs. chalk supplement to test of ease of passing and weight of stool for a given diet.

And yes, I've finally cracked.