Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
04:04
Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
1.3K
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Z6 Improves Functional Constipation in Infants.
Xiaoni Zhou1, Gang Hu2, Jingwu Wu3
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Second People's Hospital of Jingdezhen, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China.
Biotechnology Journal
|May 2, 2026
Summary
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Z6 (L. plantarum Z6) effectively treats infantile functional constipation by improving bowel movements and reshaping gut microbiota. This probiotic offers a safe, targeted strategy for pediatric gastrointestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infantile functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric issue.
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to FC.
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Z6 (L. plantarum Z6) for infantile FC.
- To investigate the impact of L. plantarum Z6 on gut microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 infants with FC.
- Clinical outcomes (bowel movements, stool scores) and serum 5-HT levels were measured.
- Fecal microbiota profiling was performed to analyze microbial changes.
Main Results:
- L. plantarum Z6 significantly improved bowel movement frequency and stool consistency while reducing constipation severity.
- Supplementation led to elevated serum 5-HT levels, suggesting enhanced gut motility.
- Gut microbiota analysis showed increased diversity and enrichment of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Conclusions:
- L. plantarum Z6 is a safe and effective probiotic for treating infantile functional constipation.
- It beneficially modulates the gut microbiota, offering a targeted therapeutic approach.
- This intervention holds promise for managing pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
1.4K
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.4K
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
1.0K
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
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...
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...
1.0K
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
61
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
01:22Probiotics
296
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
296
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
907
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
907
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
1.6K
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
1.6K