Abstract:

Objective: To explore the ameliorative effect of maythorn dietary fiber (MDF) on functional constipation
and its preventive effect on lead poisoning. Methods: Mice were divided into 5 groups as follows: blank control,
model control, and MDF low dose, middle dose and high dose groups. Functional constipation model was established
after oral administration for 10 d. The intestinal motion rate, defecation time and feces weight of all the mice were
investigated. A prophylactic lead-poisoning model was developed and employed to observe the effects of different
doses of MDF and positive control on Pb content in the liver, blood and femur of mice. Results: The motional rate of
ink in the intestine was enhanced by MDF administration, initial defecation time was abridged, and total feces weight
increased when compared to the model control group. Moreover, in the MDF groups, Pb content in liver, blood, and
femur declined when compared to the model control group, and the middle-dose and high-dose groups displayed a
statistical significance. Conclusion: The administration of 500 mg/(kg·d) of maythorn dietary fiber has effective
defecation-promoting and lead-removing capacity in mice, which is beneficial for relieving functional constipation and
preventing lead poisoning.

Key words: maythorn dietary fiber, health-promoting function, constipation, lead removal