ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effect of sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMC) on constipation. Methods:The slow transit constipation model of mice was established by intragastric administration of loperamide for 3 d, and the dehydration-dryness constipation model of mice was established by water deprivation for 3 d. The effects of CMC were evaluated by total fecal grains, intestinal propulsion rate, fecal water content and intestinal fluid within 3 h after administration. Results: The total defecation granules in the slow transit constipation model group were (7.9±6.0) within 3 h after administration for 3 d. Compared with those in the model group, the total defecation granules in the three CMC dosage groups (0.45, 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg) significantly increased (18.5±5.0, 17.3±8.3 and 22.9±8.4, P<0.01), respectively. The results were better than those in mosapride group (14.3±8.4). The intestinal propulsion rate [(75.3±9.2)%, (78.7±9.6)%, and (79.4±8.0)%] in the three CMC dosage groups increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) compared with the model group (63.0±13.6)%. For dehydration and dryness constipation model, the total fecal granules in 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg CMC groups were 37.9±9.9 and 37.2±7.9, which significantly increased compared with those in model group (25.8±8.5, P<0.01). The intestinal propulsive rate (83.2±12.8)% was higher in CMC 1.8 g/kg group than in the model group [(72.6±11.5)%, P<0.05]. Mouse fecal water content [(56.0±4.1)%, (57.7±10.4)% and (60.2±6.8%)] in CMC 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg groups were higher than in the model group [(49.0±6.8)%, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. Rat intestinal solution in CMC 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg groups was higher than that in saline group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: CMC can improve the defecation of constipated mice.