The Combination of Radix Codonopsis, Semen Raphani and Resistant Dextrin Relieves Constipation and Regulates Gut Microbiota: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Keywords:
Radix Codonopsis, Semen Raphani, Resistant Dextrin, Constipation, Gut Microbiota, Clinical TrialAbstract
Objectives: Constipation has high prevalence in all age groups, notably in the elderly population. Traditional treatment with
laxatives may cause unexpected adverse effects. Therefore, alternative nutritional supplements are necessary to alleviate
constipation and improve gut health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Relief Drink formula (RDF)
composed of Radix Codonopsis, Semen Raphani and resistant dextrin on adults with functional constipation in a randomized,
double-blind and placebo-controlled 2-week clinical trial. Methods: The participants (N=117) were randomized to receive RDF (N=58) or placebo (N=59) for 2 weeks. The daily self-reported defecation index, including defecation frequency, defecation condition and fecal character were collected. In addition, the fecal samples were collected at the 0-week and 2-week time points for metagenomic sequencing using the shotgun method. Results: The RDF intervention significantly increased defecation frequency (P<0.0001), improved defecation condition (P<0.0001) and feces character (P<0.0001), whereas such alterations were not observed in the placebo group. Moreover, the microbiota profile of RDF group following intervention was significantly increased with regard to the Streptococcus salivarius (P=0.008), Ruminococcus obeum (P=0.013), Ruminococcus gnavus (P=0.021), Lactobacillus salivarius (P=0.033) and Collinsella aerofaciens (P=0.016) strains. Significant differences of functional metabolites-producing potential, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and L-glutamine (P<0.05) were observed between the RDF and the placebo groups.Conclusions: The RDF could alleviate constipation possibly by regulating the growth of specific gut microbiota, including Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, Collinsella and Lactobacillus genera. Our current results indicated RDF could be a nutritional supplement solution to alleviate constipation.
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