The evaluation of improving effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 powder on loperamide-induced constipation in rats

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom. Life style, eating habit, metabolic conditions and neurological disorders could cause the constipation which is also one of the risk factors of colorectal cancer. Lactic acid bacteria have been reported to improve defecation frequency and fecal water content so far. This study evaluates the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 on constipation. Sparque-Dawley (SD) rats were subcutaneously injected loperamide (2 mg/kg BW) twice a day with 1.3, 2.6, and 13.0 mg/kg BW/rat/day of NTU 101 powder, respectively. As a result, three doses of NTU 101 powder improved 12.4%, 13.2%, and 15.0% of intestinal motility, respectively, compared with loperamide group. It also improved 7.6%, 8.4%, and 10.9% of fecal water content, respectively, compared with loperamide group. This result shows that low dosage has the effect of improving defecation, and that has the better effect with dose ascension. In addition, NTU 101 powder increased Bifidobacterium spp. and decreased Clostridium perfringens contents in feces. It also enhanced concentration of short chain fatty acids and reduced pH value in feces. Moreover, it could promote colonic mucosal thickness, mucin producing-goblet cell, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Based on the above results, NTU 101 powder can not only improve the constipation induced by loperamide, but also improve the function of gastrointestinal tract.