Aqueous Extracts of Herba Cistanche Promoted Intestinal Motility in Loperamide‐Induced Constipation Rats by Ameliorating the Interstitial Cells of Cajal

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine was reported to have good effects in treating functional constipation. This work attempted to prove the effects of aqueous extracts of Herba Cistanche (AEHC) on STC treatment and to determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model. HPLC was performed for identification and confirmation of the bioactive components in the AEHC. It was found that AEHC attenuated STC responses based on increased fecal quantity, moisture content, and intestinal transit rate, as well as serum levels of GAS, MTL, SS, and CGRP. The protein and mRNA levels of c-kit, a labeling of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), also increased. Meanwhile, only the protein level of SCF, a ligand of c-kit, increased. The analysis of our data suggested that AEHC could obviously improve the function of ICC via a signaling pathway involving PI3K, SCF, and c-kit and enhance colonic motility indices such as GAS, MTL, SS, and CGRP. It is interesting to note that AEHC appeared to be effective on constipation, so further experiments are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms involved.

Purgative/laxative actions of Globularia alypum aqueous extract on gastrointestinal‐physiological function and against loperamide‐induced constipation coupled to oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

“…It not only disturbed the thickness of the mucosa, the crypts morphology, and the number of mucus-producing cells but also generated an unusual inflammation during the constipation induction. The effect of LOP in reducing mucosal thickness has been well documented in several previous studies [47][48][49] as well as the reducing in mucus-producing cell number. 50 In fact, the mucosal surface is covered by mucins, a hydrate gel produced in the intestine by goblet cells.…”

Laxative Effect of Spicatoside A by Cholinergic Regulation of Enteric Nerve in Loperamide-Induced Constipation: ICR Mice Model

“…During all experimental periods, ICR mice of subset groups were bred in metabolic cages to avoid any contamination and harvest pure stools and urine (Daejong Instrument Industry Co., LTD, Seoul, Korea). The stool number and weight were measured as previously described [ 15 , 29 ]. Briefly, stools excreted from each ICR mice were collected daily at 10:00 am; the number of stools were counted three times, and each sample was weighed thrice using an electric balance.…”

Non-isoflavones Diet Incurred Metabolic Modifications Induced by Constipation in Rats via Targeting Gut Microbiota

“…In the absence of tension, the propulsive length of activated carbon and the full length of the intestine were measured. The percentage of propulsive length relative to full length of intestine was calculated to evaluate intestinal transmission function (Yan S. et al, 2017). After sitting at room temperature for 1 h, the serum was obtained by centrifugation at 3500 rpm for 20 min.…”