Laxative Effect Research Articles

Improvement of the intestinal epithelial barrier during laxative effects of phlorotannin in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats

BackgroundDisruptions of the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) are frequently observed in various digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study assessed the improvement in the IEB during the laxative activity of phlorotannin (Pt) harvested from Ecklonia cava in constipation by examining the changes in the expression of the regulatory proteins for the tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ), and inflammatory cytokines in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with loperamide (Lm)-induced constipation after a Pt treatment.ResultsThe Pt treatment induced laxative activity, including the improvement of feces-related parameters, gastrointestinal transit rate, and histological structure of the mid colon in Lm-treated SD rats. In addition, significant recovery effects were detected in the histology of IEB, including the mucus layer, epithelial cells, and lamina propria in the mid colon of Lm + Pt treated SD rats. The expression levels of E-cadherin and p120-catenin for AJ and the ZO-1, occludin, and Claudin-1 genes for TJ in epithelial cells were improved remarkably after the Pt treatment, but the rate of increase was different. Furthermore, the Pt treatment increased the expression level of several inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-13, and IL-4 in Lm + Pt treated SD rats.ConclusionsThese results provide the first evidence that the laxative activity of Pt in SD rats with Lm-induced constipation phenotypes involve improvements in the IEB.

Antiproliferative, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Secondary Metabolites from Macrosolen tricolor

In Vietnam, Macrosolen tricolor is used for the treatment of bloating, broken bones, cough, diarrhea, diuretic, rheumatism, and laxative effects. The study aimed to identify the in vitro antiproliferation and anti-inflammation of all fractions and purified compounds from the M. tricolor whole plants, as well as the in silico molecular docking of the potentially cytotoxic compounds. As the results, fractions (MTH.I, MTH.II, MTE.I, and MTE.II) strongly demonstrated antiproliferative properties against three tested cells, MDA-MB-231, RD, and HepG2 (IC50 values ranged from 4.00 ± 0.20 to 70.60 ± 1.44 μg/mL), as well as anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 values ranged from 4.45 ± 0.08 to 23.00 ± 1.18 μg/mL), whereas other fractions meaningfully evidenced selective cytotoxicity and/or anti-inflammation. Therefore, the phytochemical compositions of the active fractions were illuminated, leading to the characterization of eighteen compounds. Compounds (3–5) revealed the most cytotoxic effects towards all examined cells (IC50 values ranged from 6.88 ± 0.12 to 71.64 ± 1.17 μM) and the strongest anti-inflammatory properties (IC50 values of 16.30 ± 0.92, 7.31 ± 0.55, and 9.23 ± 0.60 μM, respectively). Compound 11 showed potential cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231, RD, and HepG2 cells (IC50 values of 24.42 ± 0.28, 20.60 ± 0.25, and 3.20 ± 0.02 μM, respectively). Furthermore, compounds (4, 5, and 11) interacted with the active site of the apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 protein (PDB ID: 2O2F), were comparable to PAC, and were compatible with their anticancer activity. This project suggests that M. tricolor is a good source of natural antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory agents and contributes to understanding the biological activities of Macrosolen species in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Research Progress of Zengye Chengqi Decoction in Improving Constipation after Cerebral Hemorrhage

Cerebral hemorrhage is one of the critical and severe neurological diseases. Constipation is common after operation. It is difficult to see the patient's dry stool, obstruction of the lower part, heat and yin deficiency, which puzzles clinicians. Modern medicine has less means to improve postoperative constipation. Zengye Chengqi Decoction can not only promote gastrointestinal motility, improve intestinal flora imbalance, regulate neuropeptide secretion, but also improve immunity, reduce serum inflammatory factors, reduce intracranial pressure, improve blood viscosity, reduce cerebral edema, protect cardiovascular, antioxidant and protect organs. It has the effect of laxative, nourishing yin and clearing heat on constipation after cerebral hemorrhage. It can really improve the symptoms of heat and yin deficiency such as abdominal distension, dry nose and mouth, high fever and sweating fatigue, reduce the occurrence of complications such as rebleeding, and help postoperative recovery. It provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cerebral hemorrhage related diseases by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and provides new means of diagnosis and treatment for clinicians.

Phytochemical Study and Biological Activities of Arbutus unedo L.

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is a shrub (small tree) with evergreen leaves of the Ericaceae and is a main constituent of the flora of the Mediterranean basin. An increasing interest in the use of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae) has recently been reported in the industrial, pharmaceutical, and chemical fields. Indeed, some research on the fruits of Arbutus unedo has revealed the presence of several compounds, including large amounts of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, polyphenols, and flavonoids. In addition, the secondary metabolite profile of arbutus extracts includes a matrix rich in polyphenols, which is responsible for several biological activity and health attributes, namely antiseptic, diuretic, and laxative effects, and also to treat cardiovascular pathologies such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis.

Comparison of the laxative effects of Korean Gochujang containing different microbiota on loperamide-induced constipation in ICR mice.

The prevalence of constipation, one of the common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, has been gradually increasing. Gochujang, a traditional Korean fermented paste, has various microbiota and exerts diverse health beneficial effects. However, the ameliorative effect of Gochujang on constipation is unexplored. Seven-week-old ICR mice were divided into five groups: the normal group, the loperamide (LOP) group, the LOP + mosapride citrate (3 mg per kg BW, MOSA) treated group, the LOP + BMG Gochujang (2 g per kg BW) group, and the LOP + VMG Gochujang (2 g per kg BW) group. Gochujang alleviated constipation by increasing defecation frequency and water content in feces by reducing AQP3 mRNA expression. Additionally, Gochujang increased GI transit time and excitatory neurotransmitter levels and decreased inhibitory neurotransmitter levels. Moreover, Gochujang reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and increased the c-Kit/SCF signaling pathway, suggesting that Gochujang regulates the enteric nervous system (ENS). Interestingly, BMG and VMG differently influenced the gut microbiota composition. Both Gochujang groups significantly decreased the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes ratio compared to the LOP group. However, among Firmicutes genera, Acetatifactor was only reduced in BMG, and VMG only decreased Caproiciproducens and Acutalibacter. In summary, Gochujang effectively alleviated LOP-induced constipation outcomes regardless of their different microbial communities by ameliorating GI motility and changing the gut microbiota composition.

Antioxidant Dietary Fiber Sourced from Agroindustrial Byproducts and Its Applications

Agroindustrial activities generate various residues or byproducts which are inefficiently utilized, impacting the environment and increasing production costs. These byproducts contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber with associated phenolic compounds, known as antioxidant dietary fiber (ADF). Phenolic compounds are related to the prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanism of ADF depends on its chemical structure and the interactions between the dietary fiber and associated phenolic compounds. This work describes ADF, the main byproducts considered sources of ADF, its mechanisms of action, and its potential use in the formulation of foods destined for human consumption. ADF responds to the demand for low-cost, functional ingredients with great health benefits. A higher intake of antioxidant dietary fiber contributes to reducing the risk of diseases such as type II diabetes, colon cancer, obesity, and kidney stones, and has bile-acid retention-excretion, gastrointestinal laxative, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, prebiotic, and cardioprotective effects. ADF is a functional, sustainable, and profitable ingredient with different applications in agroindustry; its use can improve the technofunctional and nutritional properties of food, helping to close the cycle following the premise of the circular economy.

Evaluations of the in vivo laxative effects of aqueous root extracts of Euclea racemosa L. in mice

BackgroundManagement of constipation with currently available modern medicines is costly and chances of side effects are high. This limits their clinical usefulness and remain to be solved, and calls for investigations of new and better compounds. The experimental plant, Euclea racemosa L. (E. racemosa L) is among plants, which are used for management of constipation traditionally but its effect is not yet experimentally validated. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the laxative effects of this plant. MethodsThe laxative effects of aqueous root extracts of E. racemosa L. were evaluated using gastrointestinal motility, laxative activity, and gastrointestinal secretion tests. ResultsIn the laxative test, the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of plant extract showed a significant increase in percent fecal water content. The plant extract also significantly accelerated the charcoal meal in gastrointestinal motility test of loperamide-constipated mice. Moreover, the experimental plant produced significant Gastrointestinal (GI) transit ratio at all doses but failed to produce a significantly higher fluid accumulation except 400 mg/kg doses of extract in gastrointestinal secretion test. The observed effect of the aqueous root extract might be due to the presence of secondary metabolites. The aqueous root extract of E. racemosa L. revealed the presence of terpenes, saponins, flavonoids and phenols when it was subjected to phytochemical screening. ConclusionThe investigation obtained from this study suggested that E. racemosa L. has a beneficial effect in producing laxative effect and this substantiate the traditional use of the plant for its claimed indication.

Cannabis sativa L. alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating the composition of gut microbiota in mice.

MaZiRenWan (MZRW) is the most frequently used Traditional Chinese Medicine formula to treat chronic constipation, Cannabis sativa L. is regarded as a monarch drug in MZRW. However, the targets of Cannabis sativa L. that enhance colonic motility and improve constipation symptoms remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the laxative effect and underlying mechanism of the water extract of Cannabis sativa L. (WECSL) using a loperamide-induced constipation mouse model. We found that WECSL treatment significantly improved intestinal motility and water-electrolyte metabolism, decreased inflammatory responses, prevented gut barrier damage, and relieved anxiety and depression in constipated mice. WECSL also structurally remodeled the composition of the gut microbiota and altered the abundance of bacteria related to inflammation, specifically Butyricicoccus and Parasutterella. Moreover, WECSL failed to relieve constipation symptoms following intestinal flora depletion, indicating that WECSL alleviates constipation symptoms depending on the gut microbiota. Our research provides a basis for WECSL to be further investigated in the treatment of constipation from the perspective of modern medicine.

Laxative Effects and Phytochemical Analysis of Perilla frutescens Seed Oil by Using Gas Chromatography: A Good Source of Omega Fatty Acids

Laxative Effects and Phytochemical Analysis of Perilla frutescens Seed Oil by Using Gas Chromatography: A Good Source of Omega Fatty Acids

Bisacodyl overcomes morphine-induced constipation by decreasing colonic Aquaporin-3 and Aquaporin-4 expression

Introduction: Morphine is an opioid prescribed to treat aches and pains. However, morphine often causes opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Aquaporin (AQP) transporters, especially AQP3 and AQP4, play an essential role in mediating constipation. Bisacodyl is a common laxative used to treat constipation. To date, the effects of bisacodyl on AQP3 and AQP4 expression and the role this interaction plays in constipation are unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of bisacodyl on AQP3 and AQP4 expression in mice after induction of constipation with morphine.
 Materials and methods: The laxative effects of bisacodyl on both acute and chronic morphine-induced constipation were determined. Fecal water content, colonic bead expulsion, and colonic mRNA levels for AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA were measured.
 Results and discussion: The administration of morphine to mice resulted in decreased fecal water content, longer bead expulsion times, and increased AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colon. Meanwhile, bisacodyl administration prevented the morphine-induced changes in fecal water content, bead expulsion time, and AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colons of mice.
 Conclusion: This study suggests that bisacodyl may prevent morphine-induced constipation by preventing morphine-induced increases in AQP3 and AQP4 expression in the colon.
 Graphical abstract:

A descriptive review on nutraceutical constituents, detoxification methods and potential health benefits of flaxseed

Flaxseed has become the primary objective of research related to nutrition and diseases, due to its bioactive potential. With an increase in awareness regarding the significance of healthy food products in consumers for their well-being has augmented the demand for the development of functional and nutraceutical foods. It is considered that flaxseed is the prime functional food product as reported by various studies. It contains α-linolenic acid, phytoestrogen, protein, fiber, and micronutrients in significant amounts. Its increasing importance is linked to its capability to lower the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), anti-inflammatory, anticancer, laxative effects, and osteoporosis. Flaxseed oil has been utilized as a functional food ingredient in the development of several food products including juices, dairy, cereal, and meat products. The current review covers the various aspects related to the chemical composition of flaxseed, oil extraction techniques, functional properties, and potential health benefits concerning various case studies.

Validation of Sennae Folium specification grade classification based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS spectrum-effect relationship

Sennae Folium (SF) has been consumed as a fat-reducing tea throughout the world due to its laxative effect. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of the specification grade classification on its quality. The present work aims to verify the rationality of the specification grade classification of SF and investigate the quality markers for distinction of different SF grades. Based on the use of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method, and with the help of molecular networking, 60 compounds of the SF extracts were tentatively identified. 22 differential compounds were screened via chemometrics for distinguishing different grades of SF, including 8 sennosides and anthraquinones, 11 flavonoids, and 3 benzophenones. The strongest lipase inhibitory activity was identified in the extract taken from the green leaves. Correlation analysis of their chemical compositions and lipase inhibitory activity indicated that SF of the green leaf contained the highest amount of sennosides and showed the strongest lipid-lowering effect. In conclusion, the combination of molecular networking and spectrum-effect relationships showed that the specification grade classification of SF according to green leaf, yellow leaf, and diseased leaf was reasonable, and sennosides could serve as quality markers for distinguishing different grades of SF.

Extracts from Frangula alnus Mill. and Their Effects on Environmental and Probiotic Bacteria.

The bark of Frangula alnus Mill (FAM), the so-called alder buckthorn, has been widely investigated for its medicinal properties, especially its laxative effects and the bioactive properties of the plant material extract. Still, there is no wider study devoted to its antibacterial properties. This is important in the context of its impact on probiotic gut bacteria. The aim of the research was to recognize the effect of FAM extract on bacterial cells, and to determine how the bioactive properties and composition of the extract are influenced by the type of solvent used for the extraction. To find the most suitable conditions for the FAM extraction, we used four solvent solutions with different polarities, including water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. We assessed the quality and composition of the extracts with spectral analysis, using spectrophotometric (FTIR, UV-Vis) and chromatographic methods (GC-MS). Finally, we analyzed the extractant impact of the extracts on the selected bacterial cells. The results showed that the chemical diversity of the extracts increased with the increase in solvent polarity, in which the abundance of frangulin, the main bioactive compound in buckthorn bark, was confirmed. Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 was particularly sensitive to the action of extracts, whereas other strains of the Pseudomonas genus showed practically no adverse effects. Ethanolic extracts had the strongest effect on most of the selected bacteria strains. We found that the probiotic Lactobacillus strain, which represents intestinal microflora, has no direct effect on probiotic microorganisms. The research shown FAM extracts can be safe for probiotic bacteria present in human gut microflora. Moreover, the study indicated that contact with the extracts may reduce the total permeability of the bacterial membranes. This opens up the possibility of using FAM extracts as a factor regulating transport into cells, which may be used to support the action of other bioactive substances.

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf aqueous extract ameliorates loperamide-induced constipation in mice by promoting gastrointestinal motility and regulating the gut microbiota.

Slow transit constipation (STC) is the most common type of functional constipation. Drugs with good effects and few side effects are urgently needed form the treatment of STC. Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (CC) is an important medicinal and edible spice plant. The wide range of biological activities suggested that CC may have laxative effects, but thus far, it has not been reported. In this study, the loperamide-induced STC mouse model was used to evaluate the laxative effect of the aqueous extract of CC (CCAE), and the laxative mechanism was systematically explored from the perspectives of the enteric nervous system (ENS), neurotransmitter secretion, gastrointestinal motility factors, intestinal inflammation, gut barrier and gut microbiota. The results showed that CCAE not only decreased the serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), induced nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in STC mice but also increased the expression of gastrointestinal motility factors in colonic interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), thereby significantly shortening the defecation time and improving the gastrointestinal transit rate. The significantly affected gastrointestinal motility factors included stem cell factor receptor (c-Kit), stem cell factor (SCF), anoctamin 1 (Ano1), ryanodine receptor 3 (RyR3), smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK) and Connexin 43 (Cx43). Meanwhile, CCAE could repair loperamide-induced intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier damage by reducing the expression of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β and increasing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, chemical barrier (Muc-2) and mechanical barrier (Cldn4, Cldn12, Occludin, ZO-1, and ZO-2). Interestingly, CCAE could also partially restore loperamide-induced gut microbial dysbiosis in various aspects, such as microbial diversity, community structure and species composition. Importantly, we established a complex but clear network between gut microbiota and host parameters. Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae and UCG-010 showed the most interesting associations with the laxative phenotypes; several other specific taxa showed significant associations with serum neurotransmitters, gastrointestinal motility factors, intestinal inflammation, and the gut barrier. These findings suggested that CCAE might promote intestinal motility by modulating the ENS-ICCs-SMCs network, intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. CC may be an effective and safe therapeutic choice for STC.

Iatrogenic Hyperkalemia Induced by Hypermagnesemia From Administration of Laxatives in a Patient With Gastroparesis

Magnesium-containing drugs such as magnesium citrate are popular over-the-counter laxatives used to treat constipation. Although generally well tolerated, excessive intake can result in potentially dangerous electrolyte abnormalities. Of these abnormalities, hyperkalemia is one that is heavily underreported. We report an elderly woman who presented for gastroparesis flare-up and constipation. She was given magnesium citrate and subsequently developed hypermagnesemia, which resulted in hyperkalemia. By presenting this case, we hope to increase awareness of this heavily underreported side effect of magnesium-based laxatives, especially in the setting of gastrointestinal disturbances that may affect the absorption of these electrolytes.

S2247 Gastric Irritation Noted in Patients Using New Tablet-Based Colonoscopy Preparation

Introduction: In November 2020, the FDA approved a novel colonoscopy preparation, a tablet-based bowel prep containing poorly absorbed sulfate salts. This case series includes 3 patients undergoing upper and lower endoscopy who were found to have gastric irritation thought to be caused by this bowel preparation. Case Description/Methods: A 35-year-old male with gastroesophageal reflux presented with 5-day history of hematochezia and abdominal pain. He underwent colonoscopy which showed internal hemorrhoids and esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed ulceration of the stomach body (Figure, top left). Biopsies showed focal active gastritis and superficial erosion without H. pylori organisms. The patient started daily PPI and 3 months later repeat EGD showed normal mucosa both visually and pathologically. A 59-year-old female endorsed abdominal bloating and heartburn after completing treatment for H. pylori 1-month prior. She underwent EGD with colonoscopy (for screening). EGD showed multiple diminutive round erythematous spots in the stomach antrum with pinpoint foci of dark heme suggestive of hemorrhagic gastritis (Figure, top right). Biopsies showed moderate inactive chronic inflammation without H. pylori organisms. A 70-year-old female requested endoscopy as she had a personal history of remote H. pylori infection and her father had gastric cancer. On EGD, there were superficial erosions in the lesser curve of the stomach (Figure, bottom 3). Biopsies were obtained and showed gastric mucosa with reactive epithelial changes without evidence of H. pylori infection. Discussion: The preparation consists of 24 tablets total, each taken with 16 ounces of water. The ingredients include magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate. The sulfate salts are responsible for the osmotic and therefore laxative effects of the medication. Potassium chloride is included to avoid diarrhea induced hypokalemia. Potassium chloride is a mucosal irritant that has been reported to cause upper gastrointestinal ulcers and erosions. In each case, gastric irritation was an unexpected finding in a patient without significant risk factors for developing gastric ulcers. The common factor among them all is the same tablet-based preparation used for colonoscopy. Noted was a similar pattern of ulceration in the gastric antrum and body noted in these patients, which was in a pattern of the tablets resting on the greater curve of the stomach. While gastric ulceration may be asymptomatic, it may lead to diagnostic confusion and further unnecessary workup.Figure 1.: Colonoscopy images.

Gut microbiota and pediatric patients with spina bifida and neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

Gut microbiota has recently been recognized to be influenced by a broad range of pathologies. Alterations of gut microbiota are known as dysbiosis and have found to be related to chronic constipation, a condition which affects also pediatric patients with spina bifida (SB). In this study, gut microbiota richness and composition were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis in 48 SB patients (mean age, 11.9 ± 4.8years) with secondary neurogenic constipation and 32 healthy controls (mean age, 18.0 ± 9.6years). The study also aimed at exploring eventual effects of laxatives and transanal irrigation (TAI) adopted by SB subjects to get relief from the symptoms of neurogenic constipation. Collected data demonstrated that the microbiota richness of SB patients was significantly increased compared to healthy controls, with a higher number of dominant bacteria rather than rare species. The absence of SB condition was associated with taxa Coprococcus 2, with the species C. eutactus and Roseburia, Dialister, and the [Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes group. On the other hand, the SB patients displayed a different group of positively associated taxa, namely, Blautia, Collinsella, Intestinibacter, and Romboutsia genera, the [Clostridium] innocuum group, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. Bifidobacterium and the [Eubacterium] hallii group were also found to be positively associated with SB gut microbiome. Among SB patients, the administration of laxatives and TAI did not negatively affect gut microbiota diversity and composition, even considering long-term use (up to 5years) of TAI device.

Efficacy of Bacillus coagulans BC01 on loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation model in Kunming mice.

In this study, the laxative effect of Bacillus coagulans BC01 (BC01) in mice was investigated using a functional constipation mouse model. Six-week-old male specific pathogen-free (SPF) Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (saline), model group (loperamide hydrochloride), drug control group (bisacodyl), BC01 low-dose group (4.0 × 108 CFU/mL) and BC01 high-dose group (4.0 × 109 CFU/mL). Except for the normal group, the functional constipation model was established by administering 0.25 mL of a loperamide hydrochloride suspension (1 mg/mL) twice daily for four consecutive days by oral gavage. After modeling, the BC01 groups were administered 0.25 mL of BC01. The bisacodyl served as a control and was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg, while the other groups were administered 0.25 mL of sterile saline. After 7 days of continuous administration, the experimental mice were again induced by loperamide hydrochloride. During this period, the mechanism of BC01 to improve constipation symptoms in mice was analyzed by measuring the changes in body weight, fecal water content, small intestine propulsion rate, histology of small intestinal tissue sections, fecal microbial diversity, serum indices, as well as mRNA and protein expression levels in the small intestinal tissue. BC01 was found to significantly promote the intestinal propulsion rate and increase the fecal water content in the mice. BC01 could also alleviates constipation by regulating gastrointestinal motility (substance P, motilin, endothelin-1, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide), gene expression (c-Kit, SCF, COX-2, NF-κB, iNOS, and eNOS), intestinal inflammation (eNOS, iNOS, NF-κB), and the intestinal microbiota composition in the constipated mice. In addition, the high-dose BC01 treatment had the best preventive effect on constipation. BC01 is a probiotic strain to effectively relieve the adverse effects of constipation.

The potential role of lactulose pharmacotherapy in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

The non-absorbable disaccharide lactulose is mostly used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. The mechanism of action of lactulose remains unclear, but it elicits more than osmotic laxative effects. As a prebiotic, lactulose may act as a bifidogenic factor with positive effects in preventing and controlling diabetes. In this review, we summarized the current evidence for the effect of lactulose on gut metabolism and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention. Similar to acarbose, lactulose can also increase the abundance of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as well as suppress the potentially pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli. These bacterial activities have anti-inflammatory effects, nourishing the gut epithelial cells and providing a protective barrier from microorganism infection. Activation of peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) can influence secondary bile acids and reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins. A low dose of lactulose with food delayed gastric emptying and increased the whole gut transit times, attenuating the hyperglycemic response without adverse gastrointestinal events. These findings suggest that lactulose may have a role as a pharmacotherapeutic agent in the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes via actions on the gut microbiota.

DIURETIC AND LAXATIVE ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS AND PODS IN MICE

Moringa oleifera (Family- Moringaceae) is a well-known vegetable for its health benefits for thousands of years having diverse nutritional bioactive constituents. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of this plant indicated the presence of carbohydrate, reducing sugar, combined reducing sugar, glycosides, tannins (absent in seeds), alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. In diuretic activity test, the extract showed a significant (p<0.001) effect at the dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg body weight in production of total urine volume in comparison with standard drug furosemide (5 mg/kg). Upon electrolyte analysis of excreted urine, the extract was found to increase Na+, K+, Clexcretion and may act as loop diuretics. The pods and seeds extract showed significant (p<0.01) laxative effects in mice in terms of stool production with soft consistency at the dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg in comparison with standard drug bisacodyl (10 mg/kg). The most edible part of this plant is pods which showed better diuretic and laxative effects than seeds. So, the pods may be a good source of bioactive constituents which may be used as parent compound(s) for discovering better diuretic or laxative drugs.