Xyloglucan for the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: Results of a Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background. Xyloglucan, a film-forming agent, improves intestinal mucosa resistance to pathologic damage. The efficacy, safety, and time of onset of the antidiarrheal effect of xyloglucan were assessed in children with acute gastroenteritis receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS). Methods. This randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, clinical trial included children (3 months–12 years) with acute gastroenteritis of infectious origin. Children were randomized to xyloglucan and ORS, or ORS only, for 5 days. Diarrheal symptoms, including stool number/characteristics, and safety were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 5 days and by fulfillment of a parent diary card. Results. Thirty-six patients (58.33% girls) were included (n = 18/group). Patients receiving xyloglucan and ORS had better symptom evolution than ORS-only recipients, with a faster onset of action. At 6 hours, xyloglucan produced a significantly greater decrease in the number of type 7 stools (0.11 versus 0.44; P = 0.027). At days 3 and 5, xyloglucan also produced a significantly greater reduction in types 6 and 7 stools compared with ORS alone. Xyloglucan plus ORS was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions. Xyloglucan is an efficacious and safe option for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children, with a rapid onset of action in reducing diarrheal symptoms. This study is registered with ISRCTN number 65893282.

The combination of oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein for the control of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre clinical trial

“…4,16,[23][24][25][26][27] In our study, for the first time, we have demonstrated that the combination of a mixture of oligoand polysaccharides and a reticulated protein is a safe and feasible treatment to reduce main symptoms and to improve QoL in patients with IBS. Both ingredients are not absorbed, their effect local on the intestinal mucosa.…”

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“…The plasmatic peak is between 2 and 6 h after ingestion -the half-life is from 2 to 57 h . In about 5 days, more than 90% of ∆-9-tetrahydrocanabinol (THC) is excreted from the body [14].…”

Drug development and acute gastrointestinal infections

“…To date, the beststudied substances include xyloglucan (a hemicellulose polysaccharide found in all land plants) and gelatin tannate (a complex of tannic acid, which possesses astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a protective gelatin). However, data on the efficacy of these two agents are very preliminary [10][11][12][13].…”