Effect of the \u201cMa Tu Nhan\u201d remedy for constipation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There are some remedies in Vietnamese traditional medicine for constipation, but most of them have not been evaluated by scientific measures. Objectives: To define the effectiveness of the \u201cMa Tu Nhan\u201d remedy for adult patients with constipation. Subjects and method: 50 patients (18 years of age or above) with constipation were given the \u201cMa Tu Nhan\u201d remedy. Constipation was defined as less than 3 times of defecation per week. The remedy included Sesanum orientale L. (500g), Semen Armeniacea (250g), Paeonia lactiflora pall (205g), Rheum sp. (500g), Magnolia officialis Rehd, et Wils (250g) and Citrus sp. (250g). The remedy was made into tablets (0.3g per tablet). Patients took 14 tablets, twice daily. The treatment period was 7 days. Results: 43 patients (86%) stopped constipations after 7 days of administration. The effect of treatment was longer behind the initial 7 days in 33 patients (66%). Conclusion: The \u201cMa Tu Nhan\u201d remedy is effective on the treatment of constipation without adverse effect.