Lab Anim Res. 2011 Dec;27(4):275-81. doi: 10.5625/lar.2011.27.4.275. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles.

Oh HG1, Lee HY, Seo MY, Kang YR, Kim JH, Park JW, Kim OJ, Back HI, Kim SY, Oh MR, Park SH, Kim MG, Jeon JY, Hwang MH, Shin SJ, Chae SW.

• 1Huvet Co., Ltd, Iksan, Korea.

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.

KEYWORDS:  Constipation; Kolomark; beagle dog; fig paste; segmental colonic transit time

PMID:  22232635