Some Determinants of Defæcation

Therapeutics of Laxative Agents with Special Reference to the Anthraquinones

“…The probable explanation for the restorative action o f standardised senna on the constipated bowel is found in the results o f a recent study by Mountjoy et al (33). By careful recording o f the times o f defaecation throughout each 24 h it was found that the peak defaecation times occurring during the total period of their study (763 patient days), which included active laxative treatments, were identical with those when only a placebo was given, i.e.…”

Physiological Yardsticks for Bowel Function and the Rehabilitation of the Constipated Bowel

“…The time of action is usually stated as 8 -1 0 h so that taken at night it acts the next morning. This, however, is not a simple dose-response relationship since, as shown by Mountjoy et al (41), its action augments, without disrupting, the response to the physiological stimuli of eating and physical activity ( fig. 3).…”

Laxatives and the Special Role of Senna

“…Mountjoy et al [6] have shown that senna glycosides, in therapeutic dosage, do not disrupt the usual pattern of defaecation times. Exton-Smith [7] has demon strated their marked stool softening proper ties making the use of surfactants or lubri cants unnecessary.…”