Germinated barley foodstuff improves constipation induced by loperamide in rats

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1998 Sep;62(9):1788-90. doi: 10.1271/bbb.62.1788.

Abstract

The effects of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) derived from the aleurone and scutellum fractions of germinated barley low-lignified hemicellulose were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats with constipation induced by loperamide by addition to the diet (2 mg/kg body weight). Bowel movements were higher in the GBF-fed rats than in the cellulose-fed rats used as a control. Fecal water content was also higher in the GBF-fed rats. The concentration of short chain fatty acids in cecal content, especially butyrate, was significantly higher in the GBF-fed rats than in the cellulose-fed rats. These findings suggested that GBF helps normalize defecation not only in diarrhea but also constipation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hordeum / metabolism*
  • Loperamide / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Loperamide