Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles / 한국실험동물학회지
Laboratory Animal Research
;
: 275-281, 2011.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-218725
ABSTRACT
Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Ointments
/
Stress, Psychological
/
Body Weight
/
Complementary Therapies
/
Capsules
/
Colon
/
Constipation
/
Carica
/
Ficus
/
Diet
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Laboratory Animal Research
Year:
2011
Type:
Article
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