title: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ficus carica paste for the management of functional constipation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Constipation affects up to 20% of the world's population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation with Ficus carica paste could be used to treat constipation in Korean subjects with functional constipation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with functional constipation were orally supplemented with either F. carica paste (n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 8 weeks. We measured the efficacy and safety of F. carica paste. Primary outcomes (colon transit time) and secondary outcomes (questionnaire related to defecation) were compared before and after the 8-week intervention period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  F. carica paste supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in colon transit time and a significant improvement in stool type and abdominal discomfort compared with the placebo. Blood parameters and clinical findings for organ toxicity remained within normal ranges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that F. carica paste may have beneficial effects in subjects suffering from constipation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Healthcare Claims and Management Incorporation, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyang-Im
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Baek
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Healthcare Claims and Management Incorporation, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Chan
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Healthcare Claims and Management Incorporation, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hye-Mi
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Kyung
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Ock
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Byung-Hyun
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Research Group of Nutrition and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, Gyonggi, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Research Group of Nutrition and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, Gyonggi, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Min Jung
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Research Group of Nutrition and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, Gyonggi, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hee Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.|Department of Pharmacology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea. Email: soowan@jbnu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Soo-Wan
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Chae
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004032:Diet; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D030681:Ficus / Q000737:chemistry; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010919:Placebos; D056910:Republic of Korea
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005419:Flavonoids; D010919:Placebos