Abstract:

Objective: To explore the laxative effect of Prinsepia utilis tea (PUT) infusion on constipated mice. Methods:
Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group, model control group, positive control group and low,
medium- and high-dose treatment groups which were administered with PUT infusion at 1, 2 and 6 g/(kg·d)) for 7 days,
respectively. The mice from both the blank control and model control groups were administered with distilled water at a
volume of 0.3 mL/20 g for 7 days, while those from the positive control group were administered with Marenwan at a dose
of 0.9 g/(kg·d) for 7 days. After the administration period, the time of the first black feces excretion and the number of
feces granules within 5 h were recorded. Fecal water content and ink propelling rates were measured. Results: All the tested
parameters differed significantly between each dose of PUT infusion and either the model group or the positive control
group. PUT could markedly shorten the time of the first black feces excretion, increase the number of feces granules within 5 h.
In addition, water content of mouse feces and ink propelling rates also revealed a significant increase. Conclusion: Prinsepia
utilis tea has an obvious laxative effect.

Key words: Prinsepia utilis tea, defecation, mouse, constipation