LAUSR

Abstract The effects of Malus halliana Koehne polysaccharides on functional constipation was investigated in this study. The rats were divided into six groups: normal group, model group, positive control group, M. halliana polysaccharides high dose groups 1200 mg/ kg, medium dose groups 1000 mg/ kg and low dose groups 800 mg/kg. The model of constipation was established by loperamide hydrochloride. Feces weight at 6 and 24 hours after treatment, Colon moisture content, in addition the levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (Gas), somatostatin (SS), substance P (SP) in serum were used to evaluate the preventive effects of M. halliana polysaccharides on constipation. Compared with the model group, the positive control group, M. halliana polysaccharide high, medium and low dose group 6 h weight of feces, colon moisture content, the levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and substance P(SP) significantly (p <0.01) increased, the levels of somatostatin (SS) significantly decreased. The results indicated that the high, middle and low dosage of M. halliana polysaccharide could effectively improve functional constipation. Amongst these doses, the low dose group was better than others.