I stand by what I once said- as stated above- isabgol in a bottle is a medicine and even has side effects more  

US FDA is probably the best authority about medicines and their regulation around the globe, Isabgol is basically psyllium husk. the following list gives the formulary they think is acceptable, Psylium is noted under the category "laxatives" http://www.fda.gov/downloads/aboutfda/centersoffices/officeofmedicalproductsandtobacco/cder/ucm135691.pdf referring everyone involved here to a website many doctors look up to for information- I quote- This MEDICATION is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-56088-Psyllium+Husk+Fibre+Oral.aspx?drugid=56088) i will like to refer you to the official site of a respected company Dabur. And I quote- Dabur Isabgol is a powdered Pysillium-based laxative for relief from constipation. It is a SPECIALLY FORMULATED, TRIPLE REFINED ADMIXTURE of Isabgol and select adjuvants. Nature Care Isabgol increases the total surface area available for fluid absorption within the digestive tract. It is completely free of effervescent and other harmful chemicals, and is carefully balanced to reduce salt content. With no risk of side effects and an improved flavor and mouth feel. (http://www.dabur.com/Export-Health%20Care-Isabgol) i would like to resolve the confusion- anything that has been refined from its natural state as a plant or animal source is then a medicine. if that was not so, ayurveda would have no medicines. the official definition of drug, more commonly known as medicine is - A drug is a substance which may have medicinal, intoxicating, performance enhancing or other effects when taken or put into a human body or the body of another animal and is not exclusively a food. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug) yes it has minimal side effects. and is great for conditions like constipation and IBS. but side effects occur- Possible adverse reactions include allergic reactions, especially among those having had regular exposure to psyllium dust. Gastrointestinal tract obstruction may occur, especially for those with prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities, or if taken with inadequate amounts of water.Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllium_seed_husks) and the fact remains, and i assure you any doctor worldwide will not deny, that high fiber diet in regular diet can allow you to avoid/minimize the use this Box. having said so, i will push on to say that a well balanced, well planned nutritious diet can help avoid another bottle- the multivitamins. more  

Dr. Chandra & Rameshji. Thanks. more  

Dr. Promila. You are right. I have it every day. I carry it to USA also to have it Regularly. Isabgol is not a Medicine. Has no side effects on the contrary is Good for Health. If it was not good my Doctor Son in U.S. would have stopped me long ago. On the contrary he encourages me to have Isabgol instead of a Laxative. Regards. more  

Yes, of course. more