Laxative effects of Salecan on normal and two models of experimental constipated mice

Abstract

BackgroundConstipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints with a highly prevalent and often chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting health-related quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Salecan on fecal output and small intestinal transit in normal and two models of drug-induced constipation mice.MethodsICR mice were administrated intragastrically (i.g.) by gavage with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Salecan while the control mice were received saline. The constipated mice were induced by two types of drugs, loperamide (5 mg/kg BW, i.g.) and clonidine (200 μg/kg BW, i.g.), after Salecan treatment while the control mice were received saline. Number, weight and water content of feces were subsequently measured. Small intestinal transit was monitored by phenol red marker meal.ResultsSalecan (300 mg/kg BW) significantly increased the number and weight of feces in normal mice. In two models of drug-induced constipation, Salecan dose-dependently restored the fecal number and fecal weight. The water content of feces was markedly affected by loperamide, but not by clonidine. Treatment with Salecan significantly raised the fecal water content in loperamide-induced constipation mice. Moreover, Salecan markedly stimulated the small intestinal transit in both loperamide- and clonidine-induced constipation model mice.ConclusionsThese results suggest that Salecan has a potential to be used as a hydrophilic laxative for constipation.

Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive Salecan-g-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel for controlled release of doxorubicin

“…These properties suggested that Salecan could be utilized in the food industry as a new source of thickening agent and medical industry for preventing and treating constipation. [29][30][31][32][33][34] In addition, Salecan affords a high density of hydroxyl groups, which can be modied to provide greater exibility in the preparation of hydrogels. Recently, Salecan-based hydrogels were successfully fabricated in our laboratory.…”

A novel thermo-responsive hydrogel based on salecan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): Synthesis and characterization

“…The structure of salecan is a linear (1→3)-␤-d-glucan consisted of ␤-1-3-linked glucopyranosyls with a small quantity of ␣-1-3-linked [33]. As a novel polysaccharide, salecan has been utilized in the fields of both food and medical in our laboratory [34][35][36][37][38]. With a high density of hydroxyl groups, the large molecular weighted (2 × 10 6 Da) salecan could be further modified for multifarious applications.…”

Prokinetic and laxative effects of Xiao'er Qixingcha, a household pediatric herbal formula

“…The method to evaluate the prokinetic and laxative effects on small intestinal transit and fecal output character in normal and two models of experimental constipated mice were based on previous reports (Xu et al, 2012, Zhou et al, 2013, Shan et al, 2010. Briefly, fifty animals were randomly divided into five groups (5 male and 5 female each group): normal group, Neosigmine Methylsuifate group (NM), and three doses of EXQ groups (2.92, 4.38 and 6.75 g/kg).…”

“…Constipation, defined as infrequent or difficult defecation, is one of the most common dysfunctional gastrointestinal symptoms in both developed and developing countries (Zhou et al, 2013). Constipation occurs in up to 27% of the general population and affects all age groups (Longstreth et al, 2006).…”