Effect of Ficus carica on Functional Constipation

Abstract

Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal complaints. High fiber intake is recommended as an initial therapy for constipation. Ficus carica is known to have higher fiber contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fiber supplements using Ficus carica on the improvement of functional constipation. We conducted a double blind, randomized controlled study with 2 groups ( Ficus carica and fiber group), which were randomly assigned out of 20 patients with functional constipation, defined by modified Rome III criteria. Colon transit time, number of bowel movement, defecation time, stool type/color, abdominal pain/discomfort, effort for evacuation, sensation of incomplete evacuation, stool amounts per defecation and satisfactory relief were evaluated and analyzed before and after 2 weeks of treatment. After 2 weeks o f treatment, the total colonic transit time was shortened in Ficus carica group (44.4 ± 23.5 hr vs. 28.9 ± 25.4 hr, P=0.027). Ficus carica increased the number of bowel movements (2.8 ± 1.0/wk vs. 5.2 ± 2.0/wk, P=0.004), reduced defecation time (11.4 ± 5.2 min vs. 5.6 ± 4.5 min, P=0.031) and improved abdominal pain (P= 0.016) and discomfort (P=0.047) effort for evacuation (P=0.008) and the sense of incomplete e vacuation (P= 0.016). There was no significant difference between Ficus carica and fiber group in all defecation symptom s. Ficus carica improved most of the constipation symptoms in the patients suffering with functional constipation.