Component analysis of Pu-erh and its anti-constipation effects

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Constipation is a common condition with significant impact on quality of life.
• Activated carbon-induced constipation in mice is a standard model for evaluating anti-constipation agents.
• Pu-erh tea, a fermented tea, is traditionally associated with digestive health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Pu-erh tea in preventing and treating activated carbon-induced constipation in ICR mice.
• To evaluate the impact of Pu-erh tea on various physiological parameters related to gastrointestinal function.
• To explore the potential of Pu-erh tea as a functional food for constipation management.

Main Methods:

• Induction of constipation in ICR mice using activated carbon.
• Administration of varying doses of Pu-erh tea and bisacodyl (positive control).
• Measurement of body weight, dietary intake, water consumption, gastrointestinal transit time, fecal output, and serum biochemical markers (motilin, gastrin, etc.).

Main Results:

• Pu-erh tea treatment significantly improved body weight, dietary intake, and water consumption compared to the control group.
• Pu-erh tea dose-dependently reduced the first black stool defecation time and increased gastrointestinal transit rate.
• Pu-erh tea modulated serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, including increased motilin, gastrin, and VIP, and decreased somatostatin.

Conclusions:

• Pu-erh tea demonstrates significant anti-constipation effects in a mouse model, comparable to the pharmaceutical agent bisacodyl.
• The mechanism involves enhancing gastrointestinal motility and regulating key regulatory substances.
• Pu-erh tea holds potential as a functional food for the prevention and management of constipation.