Laxative effect of peanut sprout extract

Effects of natural products on functional constipation: analysis of active ingredient and mechanism

Constipation is a prevalent clinical ailment of the gastrointestinal system, yet its pathogenesis remains ambiguous. Despite the availability of numerous treatment modalities, they are insufficient in resolving the issue for patients. This work conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to the utilization of natural products for the treatment of constipation, with a focus on the efficacy of natural products in treating constipation, and to provide a comprehensive summary of their underlying mechanisms of action. Upon conducting a thorough review of the extant literature, we found that natural products can effectively treat constipation as modern synthetic drugs and compounded drugs with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects, rich in fiber and mucus, and the effects of increasing the tension of the ileum and gastrointestinal tract muscle, mediating signaling pathways, cytokine, excitability of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, and regulating the homeostasis of intestinal flora. However, there is a wide variety of natural products, and there are still relatively few studies; the composition of natural products is complex, and the mechanism of action of natural products cannot be clarified. In the future, we need to further improve the detailed mechanism of natural products for the treatment of constipation.

Evaluations of the in vivo laxative effects of aqueous root extracts of Euclea racemosa L. in mice

Background

Management of constipation with currently available modern medicines is costly and chances of side effects are high. This limits their clinical usefulness and remain to be solved, and calls for investigations of new and better compounds. The experimental plant, Euclea racemosa L. (E. racemosa L) is among plants, which are used for management of constipation traditionally but its effect is not yet experimentally validated. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the laxative effects of this plant.

Methods

The laxative effects of aqueous root extracts of E. racemosa L. were evaluated using gastrointestinal motility, laxative activity, and gastrointestinal secretion tests.

Results

In the laxative test, the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of plant extract showed a significant increase in percent fecal water content. The plant extract also significantly accelerated the charcoal meal in gastrointestinal motility test of loperamide-constipated mice. Moreover, the experimental plant produced significant Gastrointestinal (GI) transit ratio at all doses but failed to produce a significantly higher fluid accumulation except 400 mg/kg doses of extract in gastrointestinal secretion test. The observed effect of the aqueous root extract might be due to the presence of secondary metabolites. The aqueous root extract of E. racemosa L. revealed the presence of terpenes, saponins, flavonoids and phenols when it was subjected to phytochemical screening.

Conclusion

The investigation obtained from this study suggested that E. racemosa L. has a beneficial effect in producing laxative effect and this substantiate the traditional use of the plant for its claimed indication.

Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Children with Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonpharmacologic interventions for the treatment of childhood functional constipation.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nonpharmacologic treatments in children with functional constipation which reported at least 1 outcome of the core outcome set for children with functional constipation.

RESULTS

We included 52 RCTs with 4668 children, aged between 2 weeks and 18 years, of whom 47% were females. Studied interventions included gut microbiome-directed interventions, other dietary interventions, oral supplements, pelvic floor-directed interventions, electrical stimulation, dry cupping, and massage therapy. An overall high risk of bias was found across the majority of studies. Meta-analyses for treatment success and/or defecation frequency, including 20 RCTs, showed abdominal electrical stimulation (n = 3), Cassia Fistula emulsion (n = 2), and a cow's milk exclusion diet (n = 2 in a subpopulation with constipation as a possible manifestation of cow's milk allergy) may be effective. Evidence from RCTs not included in the meta-analyses, indicated that some prebiotic and fiber mixtures, Chinese herbal medicine (Xiao'er Biantong granules), and abdominal massage are promising therapies. In contrast, studies showed no benefit for the use of probiotics, synbiotics, an increase in water intake, dry cupping, or additional biofeedback or behavioral therapy. We found no RCTs on physical movement or acupuncture.

CONCLUSIONS

More well-designed high quality RCTs concerning nonpharmacologic treatments for children with functional constipation are needed before changes in current guidelines are indicated.

Laxative Effects of a Standardized Extract of Dendropanax morbiferus H. Léveille Leaves on Experimental Constipation in Rats

Background and Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the laxative effects of a standardized aqueous extract of Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. on two different constipation rat models. Materials and Methods: Animal studies were conducted with low-fiber diet-induced and loperamide-induced constipation animal models, and isolated colons were used in ex vivo analysis to determine the changes in colonic motility caused by D. morbiferus H. Lév. leaf extract (DPL). Results: The results showed that DPL administration significantly improved certain reduced fecal parameters (number, weight, and water content of the stools) in a both low-fiber diet and loperamide-induced constipation models without adverse effects of diarrhea. The laxative effect of DPL was confirmed to improve the charcoal excretion time upon DPL treatment in a low-fiber diet or loperamide-induced constipation model through gastrointestinal (GI) motility evaluation using the charcoal meal test. In addition, when DPL was administered to RAW264.7 cells and loperamide-induced constipation model rats, the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) increased significantly in cells and tissue. Furthermore, DPL dose-dependently stimulated the spontaneous contractile amplitude and frequency of the isolated rat colon. Conclusion: Although our study did not provide information on the acute or chronic toxicity of DPL, our results demonstrated that DPL can effectively promote defecation frequency and rat colon contraction, providing scientific evidence to support the use of DPL as a therapeutic application. However, further toxicity studies of DPL are needed prior to the initiation of clinical trials and clinical applications.

Laxative and antioxidant effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) leaf extract in experimental constipated rats

Ramie leaf (Boehmeria nivea L.) is rich in cellulose, polyphenol compounds, vitamin C, and minerals. The leaves of this plant, which are used for medicinal purposes, have long been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticolitis, and antidiabetic effects. We investigated the protective effects of ramie leaf ethanol extract (RLE) against loperamide-induced constipation and oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight of RLE (RLEL and RLEH groups) by gavage, while normal (NOR) and control (CON) rats received saline. Loperamide (4.0 mg/kg, twice per day) was injected subcutaneously to induce constipation in RLEL, RLEH, and CON groups. Total fecal number, wet weight, and water content decreased, while the total number of loperamide-induced fecal pellets in the distal colon increased with administration of RLE in a dose-dependent manner. Gastrointestinal transit time was more greatly reduced in RLE-treated groups than in the CON group. Serum total cholesterol (TC) level, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, was significantly lower in both RLEL and RLEH groups compared with the CON group. Intestinal mucosa malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in the RLE-treated groups. Loperamide decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity, including that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while RLE administration increased the antioxidant activity. These results suggest that RLE exerts potent laxative and antioxidant effects in model rats with loperamide-induced constipation.

Laxative Activities of 80% Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Grewia ferruginea Hochst Ex A Rich in Mice

BACKGROUND

There are numerous medicinal plants including the leaves of Grewia ferruginea used as traditional medicine for the treatment of constipation. This study was conducted to evaluate the laxative activity of the leaves of G ferruginea.

METHODS

The laxative activity of the leaves of G ferruginea was tested using 3 models: laxative activity, gastrointestinal motility, and gastrointestinal secretion tests. The effect of the plant extract on mean number of feces, fecal water content, ratio of intestinal distance traveled by the charcoal meal and intestinal fluid accumulation were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTS

Significant increase was observed in the mean weight of wet fecal matter at 200 (1.00 ± 0.03 g, P < .05) and 400 mg/kg (1.01 ± 0.02 g, P < .01), relative to loperamide constipated negative control group. Similarly, percent fecal water content was significantly improved in extract treated groups at 100 mg/kg (52.10% ± 2.04%, P < .05), 200 mg/kg (54.02% ± 2.15%, P < .01), and 400 mg/kg (54.25% ± 2.50%, P < .01) compared with the negative control group. The gastroinestinal transit ratio was also significantly increased with 200 mg/kg (P < .01) and 400 mg/kg (P < .001) of the extract relative to the constipated negative control. The crude extract showed significant increase in intestinal fluid accumulation at 200 mg/kg (0.48 ± 0.07 g, P < .05) and 400 mg/kg (0.51 ± 0.08 g, P < .01) compared with the negative control.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that 80% methanol extract of the leaves of G ferruginea possessed significant laxative activity. As such, this study corroborates the traditional claim of using G ferruginea in the treatment of constipation.

Anti-alcoholic effects of honeys from different floral origins and their correlation with honey chemical compositions

The effects of honeys from different floral origins on alcohol metabolism were compared, and the correlation between their chemical compositions and antialcholic effects was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the five types of investigated honeys from different floral origins had different effects on alcohol metabolism, and the blood alcohol removal rate by these honeys ranged from 18.01% to 49.17%. Ziziphus jujuba honey exhibited the best blood alcohol removal effect, and meanwhile significantly enhanced the activity of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes including alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Chemical composition analysis also showed that honeys from different floral origins were considerably different in the contents of sugars, minerals, ascorbic acid and phenolics. Ziziphus jujuba honey had the highest fructose/glucose ratio, ascorbic acid and phenolics contents, and higher contents of minerals, especially K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. This chemical composition might contribute to its better anti-alcoholic effect.

Assessment of the laxative activity of an ethanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. shoot

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd., commonly known as Kanta Bans, plays an important ethnobotanical role, especially in Asia. In traditional medicine it has reportedly been used for the treatment of constipation, blood-diseases, leucodema, inflammation and urinary discharges. A number of ethnomedicinal records exist regarding the use of B. arundinaceae shoots as a laxative, however, there are no scientific studies reported on its laxative activity. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to evaluate the laxative activity of an ethanolic B. arundinaceae shoot extract in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

B. arundinacea shoots were collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2015. An ethanolic shoot extract was obtained and its laxative activity was evaluated by faecal consistency, gastrointestinal transit and entero-pooling assays in a mouse model. Furthermore, a phytochemical investigation of the extract was conducted by UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS analysis.

RESULTS

The ethanolic shoot extract of B. arundinacea showed significant laxative activity in our mouse model, with significant increases in (i) the amount of wet faeces, with the maximum effect at 2h for 500mg/kg (47.92%), (ii) gastrointestinal transit (67.18% and 60.03% for doses of 250 and 500mg/kg, respectively), and (iii) small intestine content at the test doses of 250 and 500mg/kg p.o. Phytochemical investigation identified a total of thirty compounds in the ethanolic shoot extract of B. arundinacea using UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide support for the traditional use of B. arundinacea shoot as a laxative.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermented Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Improvement of Intestinal Function in Rats

This study examined the laxative effects of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which contains high levels of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, against loperamide-induced constipation in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal group (N) and three experimental groups; loperamide treated group (C), loperamide and LAB-fermented MLE 300 mg/kg treated group (MLEL), and loperamide and LAB-fermented MLE 600 mg/kg treated group (MLEH). After 33 d, fecal pellet amount, fecal weight, water content of fecal, gastrointestinal transit time and length, and serum lipid profiles were measured. Constipation was induced via subcutaneous injection of loperamide (2.0 mg/kg b.w., twice a day) for the final 5 d of the experiment. After loperamide administration, the LAB-fermented MLE groups showed a significantly increase in the fecal pellets number, wet weight, and water content in rats compared with the C group. Moreover, increases in the intestinal length and viable Lactobacillus numbers in the feces were observed in the LAB-fermented MLE groups. The intestinal transit time was shorter in the LAB-fermented MLE groups than in the C group. In addition, the LAB-fermented MLE groups showed a significant decrease in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and an increase in HDL-cholesterol level. These results indicated that oral administration of LAB-fermented MLE shows laxative effect in loperamide-induced constipated rats.

Preventive Effects of Resveratrol-enriched Extract of Peanut Sprout on Bacteria- and Estradiol-induced Prostatitis in Mice

The present study investigated the effect of peanut sprout extract (PSE) as a natural resveratrol supplement on chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PSE contained a high level of resveratrol (148.51 ± 3.05 μg/g), and was tested on the mouse models of CBP (induced by Escherichia coli 292 infection) and BPH (induced by treatment with β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone). PSE toxicity was assessed on the basis of changes in body weight, alanine aminotransferase activity (an indicator of hepatotoxicity), and expression of the kidney injury marker KIM-1. The effects of PSE on the histopathology of prostate tissue, the proportion of neutrophils, and immune cell profiles in the blood and spleen were examined. PSE administration did not result in any toxicity but reduced the bacterial burden and histopathological changes in the prostate. In addition, lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+) in the spleen were significantly increased after PSE administration in CBP mice, suggesting immune enhancement. PSE treatment of bone marrow–derived macrophages increased the expression of CD40, which is related to the pro-inflammatory function and host defense against pathogens. It is concluded that PSE would be a good supplement for the mitigation of prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis.

The supplementation effects of peanut sprout on reduction of abdominal fat and health indices in overweight and obese women

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of peanut sprout extracts (PSE) on health indices in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Subjects were divided into three groups by double-blind randomized trial; the Placebo group (n = 15) and the Low PSE group (2.6 g PSE/day, n = 15), and the High PSE group (5.8 g PSE/day, n = 15). Subjects consumed 12 capsules per day, three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 4 weeks. Anthropometric data, blood biochemical variables, and dietary intake were evaluated before and after the experiments.

RESULTS

In the Low and High PSE group, the waist circumference showed a significant decrease between pre- and post-test. In the Low PSE group, the reduction of systolic blood pressure between pre- and post-test was statistically significant. Serum LDL or triglyceride levels in both Low and High PSE groups were significantly decreased, and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly decreased only in the Low PSE group. The parameters regarding erythrocyte and leucocyte counts showed no significant differences between pre- and post-test among groups, which suggested the safety of intake of peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that PSE supplementation improves abdominal obesity and overall health indices. Therefore, an appropriate amount of peanut sprouts may be a plausible effective agent for obesity and obesity related health problems in obese women.

Ethanol Extract of Peanut Sprout Lowers Blood Triglyceride Levels, Possibly Through a Pathway Involving SREBP-1c in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

The hypothesis of this study was that peanut sprout extracts (PSE) could reduce fat accumulation through activating the transcription of SREBP-1c genes. Sprague-Dawley (SD) were randomly assigned into two groups and fed the following diet for 4 weeks; 10 normal fat (NF, 7 g of fat/100 g diet) and 30 high fat (HF, 20 g of fat/100 g diet). After 4 weeks, the HF group was divided into three groups; HF, HF with 15 mg of PSE/kg diet (HF+low PSE, 0.025% resveratrol), and HF with 30 mg of PSE/kg diet (HF+high PSE, 0.05% resveratrol) and fed for an additional 5 weeks. The HF+high PSE group had significantly lower weight gain than the HF group. Plasma triglyceride (TG) level and the hepatic total lipid level were significantly lower in the HF+high PSE group compared to the HF group. Fecal excretions of total lipids, cholesterol, and TG in the HF+high PSE group tended to be higher than in the HF group, but these differences were not significant. The mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and sterol regulatory element binding protein-c (SREBP-1c) were significantly lower in the HF+high PSE group than in the HF group. The mRNA expressions of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase were significantly lower in the HF+high PSE groups compared to the HF group. The mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase1 was significantly higher than the HF group in both the HF+low PSE and HF+high PSE groups, with much greater increase observed in the HF+high PSE group. In conclusion, consumption of PSE was effective for improving blood lipid levels, possibly by suppressing the expression of SREBP-1c, in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Enhancement of Alcohol Metabolism by Sprouted Peanut Extract in SD Rats

Excessive ethanol intake is known to induce a number of physiological symptoms, including headache, dizziness and vertigo. In this study, we investigated the attenuation effect of sprouted peanut extract (SPE) on ethanol-induced hangover in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were divided into five groups: the control group, which was administered ethanol only; the ethanol plus SPE experimental groups, which were administered ethanol and 100, 200, or 400 mg SPE/kg b.w.; and the positive control group, which was administered ethanol plus DAWN808^®, a commercial product. SPE-suspended water was delivered to rats via gavage 15 h and 30 min before the administration of ethanol. Blood was collected from the tail 0, 1, 3, and 5 h after ethanol administration. The results showed that serum ethanol concentrations were significantly lower in SPE treated groups than in the control group. Furthermore, hepatic alcohol and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activities were enhanced by SPE in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that SPE could be useful in attenuating hangover after alcohol consumption.