Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles.
10.5625/lar.2011.27.4.275
- Author:
Hong Geun OH
1
;
Hak Yong LEE
;
Min Young SEO
;
Young Rye KANG
;
Jung Hoon KIM
;
Jung Woo PARK
;
Ok Jin KIM
;
Hyang Im BACK
;
Sun Young KIM
;
Mi Ra OH
;
Soo Hyun PARK
;
Min Gul KIM
;
Ji Young JEON
;
Min Ho HWANG
;
Sook Jeong SHIN
;
Soo Wan CHAE
Author Information
1. Huvet Co., Ltd, Iksan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Constipation;
fig paste;
segmental colonic transit time;
Kolomark;
beagle dog
- MeSH:
Animals;
Body Weight;
Capsules;
Carica;
Colon;
Complementary Therapies;
Constipation;
Diet;
Dogs;
Drinking;
Ficus;
Hematologic Tests;
Humans;
Ointments;
Stress, Psychological
- From:Laboratory Animal Research
2011;27(4):275-281
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
