Effects of Allium mongolicum Regel and Its Flavonoids on Constipation

Abstract

Constipation is a common bowel disease in adults with the symptoms of dry stool or difficulty passing stool. Compared with medication therapy, patients show more compliance with the diet therapy, and thus the diet therapy normally exhibits better therapeutic effect. Allium mongolicum Regel s a perennial herb of Liliaceae native to Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China, which is traditionally used for constipation. In this paper, we partly clarify the effectiveness of A. mongolicum on constipation from two aspects, including maintaining colon water content and increasing intestinal transit. In loperamide-induced constipation mice model, nine days oral administration of A. mongolicum 50% ethanolic extract increased luminal side water content and regulated intestinal movement rhythm to normalize stools. The activity at least partly related to down-regulation of colon aquaporins 3 (AQP3) expression, and up-regulation and activation of G protein alpha (Gα) and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K). Further, activities on intestine movements were tested using compounds isolated from A. mongolicum. Three kinds of major flavonoids significantly increased cellular calcium flux in HCT116 cells and promoted mice intestine smooth muscle contraction. The activity may be related to M choline receptor, µ opioid receptor, 5-HT3 receptor, and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor.

Flavonoids in Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie Ameliorate Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Related Metabolites

“…Flavonoids have abundant pharmacological activities and biological effects, such as antioxidation, prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and reduction in inflammation [ 11 ], and flavonoids also have therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal disorders. Flavonol naringenin [ 12 ], 7,8-dihydroxyflavone [ 13 ], and Allium mongolicum Regel and its flavonoids [ 14 ] could reverse the symptoms of loperamide-induced constipation in mice. In addition, fermented soymilk with more total isoflavones had better laxative effects than unfermented soymilk [ 15 ], whereas isoflavone-deficient foods could cause constipation while reducing beneficial bacteria and regulating gut microbiota [ 16 ].…”

Allium Flavonols: Health Benefits, Molecular Targets, and Bioavailability

“…Immunomodulatory effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of A. ascalonicum (shallot) extract is reported via inducing delayed-type hypersensitivity and TH1 cytokine-IFNγ expression in a mouse model [131]. A. mongolicum extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) containing flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, and their respective glucosides) has been reported to induce the recovery of fecal excretion and water content while enhancing colon thickness and number of goblet cells in a loperamide (LOP)-induced constipated mouse model [132]. The anti-constipation effects are mediated by the downregulation of aquaglyceroporin-3 (AQP3) expression and up-regulation and activation of G protein alpha (Gα) and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) [132].…”

“…A. mongolicum extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) containing flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, and their respective glucosides) has been reported to induce the recovery of fecal excretion and water content while enhancing colon thickness and number of goblet cells in a loperamide (LOP)-induced constipated mouse model [ 132 ]. The anti-constipation effects are mediated by the downregulation of aquaglyceroporin-3 (AQP3) expression and up-regulation and activation of G protein alpha (Gα) and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) [ 132 ]. Cho et al [ 133 ] reported the protective effects of onion extract (quercetin; 17.1 μM) against radiation-induced cyto- and geno-toxicity in human lymphocytes pertaining to its antioxidant and DNA repair properties.…”

Effects of Drying Methods on the Volatile Compounds of Alliummongolicum Regel

“…Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR), a perennial Liliaceae herb native to Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China (Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, and Xinjiang) [ 1 ] and also known as the Mongolia leek, grows in high-altitude desert steppe and desert areas [ 2 ]. AMR is resistant to wind erosion, drought, and low temperature and is therefore important in preventing wind erosion as well as in maintaining and improving regional ecological environments.…”

“…Its leaves are rich in nutrients, possess a unique flavor, and is a natural green uncontaminated food [ 4 ] used to make sauces in cold vegetable dishes and stuffing of steamed stuffed buns and dumplings. In addition, AMR is beneficial in managing functional constipation, helping to maintain colon water content and increasing intestinal transit [ 1 ]. The aqueous extract of AMR has the potential to be used as a functional food or nutraceutical in the prevention and treatment of obesity and hypertension [ 3 ].…”