Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles.
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.
Huvet Co., Ltd, Iksan, Korea.
Hong-Geun
HG
Oh
Hak-Yong
HY
Lee
Min-Young
MY
Seo
Young-Rye
YR
Kang
Jung-Hoon
JH
Kim
Jung-Woo
JW
Park
Ok-Jin
OJ
Kim
Hyang-Im
HI
Back
Sun-Young
SY
Kim
Mi-Ra
MR
Oh
Soo-Hyun
SH
Park
Min-Gul
MG
Kim
Ji-Young
JY
Jeon
Min-Ho
MH
Hwang
Sook-Jeong
SJ
Shin
Soo-Wan
SW
Chae