Effects ofFicus caricapaste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles

Abstract

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation

“…No abnormal symptoms were observed on serum and whole blood parameters [ 84 ]. Similar results were obtained in constipated beagles induced by a high-protein diet and movement restriction [ 85 ]. The ameliorating effect on constipation was believed to be attributed to cellulose, one of the main components of Ficus carica [ 84 , 85 ].…”

“…Similar results were obtained in constipated beagles induced by a high-protein diet and movement restriction [ 85 ]. The ameliorating effect on constipation was believed to be attributed to cellulose, one of the main components of Ficus carica [ 84 , 85 ]. Cellulose improved fecal excretion by increasing water content and bulk, elevating viscosity and shortening fecal transit time [ 86 ].…”

Putative mechanisms of kiwifruit on maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function

“…In a constipation rat model, supplementation with fig paste increased fecal output and water content, and decreased transit time (Lee et al, 2012a). Similar results with decreased transit time were found when fig paste was given to beagles with feed-induced constipation (Oh et al, 2011). In both studies, it was suggested that the motility effects were caused by the fiber content of the figs.…”

Concise review: Herbal remedies and herbal plants for constipation in children

“…As with other diseases, for completion of treatment, constipation requires removing the primary causal factors. The first step, therefore, might be to change patient Ficus carica Moraceae Ficus carica and its fruit are used to treat chronic constipation [53].…”