The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, has been increasing. Genetic factors and lifestyle are some of the etiologies of this issue, affecting the health of the population. Natural products have properties that contribute to health maintenance and health promotion, including reduction of the inflammatory process. Hancornia speciosa, popularly known as mangaba, is an abundant and native fruit in the Brazilian Cerrado, commercialized for culinary purposes and used because of its pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the supplementation of different concentrations of mangaba pulp can improve intestinal motility and bowel health in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were divided into five groups. The experiment lasted 14 days and the groups were tested with water, industrialized laxative jelly made from tamarind as medication, or mangaba at 5, 10, and 15 mL/kg of body weight. Food intake, weight gain, ion balance, intestinal motility, and histopathological analysis of the small intestine, large intestine, and liver were evaluated. Supplementation of mangaba pulp at its highest concentration (15 mL/kg body weight) caused a 15% increase in the distance traveled by the charcoal meal, and a decrease in serum magnesium levels and white cells in both the small and large intestines. The results suggest that mangaba pulp presents laxative, anti-inflammatory properties and that its consumption is beneficial and should be encouraged.
Keywords: Apocynaceae; anti-inflammatory agents; gastrointestinal; laxatives; motility.