In Vivo Study on Laxative Effect of Prunus amygdalus Oil

Objective: In this study, we assessed the laxative effects of Prunus amygdalus oil (PAO) in constipation model of mice. Method: The animals were divided into 6 groups and Prunus amygdalus oil was orally administered in two dose-strengths (3.0 ml/kg/day and 6.0 ml/kg/day) in mice. Group one was administered with Lactulose (30 ml/kg/day) as standard. Understandings of the possible mechanism of laxative action 2 groups of animals were pretreated with atropine (10 ml/kg/day) that moderately inhibit the laxative activity of Prunus amygdalus oil. Results: Results of our study revealed that treatment of PAO was effective in increasing the fecal number and fecal weight and this increase was very close to standard drug Lactulose, which indicate the laxative activity of oil. Those groups of animals which were previously administered with atropine partially inhibit the laxative activity of Prunus amygdalus oil, specifying that laxative action is mainly facilitated through muscarinic receptors activation and indicated the occurrence of Acetylcholine like component. Conclusion: Our study results revealed the laxative activity of PAO mediated mainly with the cholinergic pathway. This study provides a basis for beneficial use of Prunus amygdalus oil in constipation.

Regulation of gastrointestinal hormones during laxative activity of gallotannin-enriched extract isolated from Galla Rhois in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Regulation of gastrointestinal hormones have been reported in animal models for constipation undergoing laxative therapy when administered herbal products. We undertook to investigate whether the laxative activity of gallotannin-enriched extracts isolated from Galla Rhois (GEGR) affects the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones, by examining the concentration of four hormones and the activation of their receptors in the loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation model. Stool parameters, including number, weight and water content, were significantly recovered in the Lop+GEGR treated group, relative to the Lop+vehicle treated group; however, food intake and water consumption were maintained at a constant level. Also, a similar recovery was detected for thickness of mucosa, muscle and flat luminal surface in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Furthermore, concentration of the four gastrointestinal hormones evaluated, namely, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SS) and motilin (MTL), were lower in the Lop+vehicle treated group than the No treated group, but were remarkably enhanced in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Moreover, the downstream signaling pathway of MTL and SS receptors were recovered after GEGR administration. Results of the present study therefore indicate that the laxative effects of GEGR treatment may be tightly related with the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the Lop-induced constipation model.

Optimization of integration of field processing and processing crude drugs of Polygoni Multiflori Radix / 中草药

Objective: To optimize a technology of integration on field processing and processing crude drugs of Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) and to provide the scientific evidence for the integration of PMR. Methods: Orthogonal test was used to optimize the integration technology on primary processing and reprocessing with two major characteristic components (stilbene glucoside and combined anthraquinone). To compare the differences between the integration technology and traditional technology on pharmacological activity by models of constipation and swelling of ear in mice with Various index (small intestinal propulsion rate, first defecation time, fecal water content, swelling degree of ear, and inflammatory factors). Results: The results showed that the integration technology of 50℃, 16 h was better, and there was significant difference in chemical composition and Laxative effect between the integration technology and traditional technology. The anti-inflammatory effect of the integrated process was better than that of the traditional technology. Conclusion: The technology of integration of field processing and processing crude drugs is feasible and the operation is good.

Laxative effect of peanut sprout extract

Certain phenolic compounds are known to exhibit laxative properties. Seed sprouts, such as those of peanut, are known to promote de novo biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. This study was conducted to examine the potential laxative properties of 80% (v/v) ethanolic extract of peanut sprout (PSE), which contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds such as resveratrol. For this, SD rats were orally administered PSE while a control group was incubated with saline. Laxative effects were examined in both groups of rats. Constipation induced by loperamide in SD rats was improved by administration of PSE. Constipated rats showed increased intestinal movement of BaSO4 upon administration of PSE compared to the control, and the groups administered 100 or 1,000 mg PSE/kg bw were not significantly different in transit time of the indicator. However, colon length was not statistically different among the experimental groups, although it was longer in the group incubated with 1 g PSE/kg bw compared to other groups. Further, there was no significant difference in stool number among the experimental groups. Taken together, these findings show that PSE has a laxative effect in a rat model of loperamide-induced constipation.