Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Cannabis sativa L. alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating the composition of gut microbiota in mice
1Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...

