Effect of Konjac mannan oligosaccharides on diphenoxylate-induced constipation in mice

The effects of Konjac mannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) on diphenoxylate-induced constipation in mice were investigated in the present study. After administration with KMOS at 1800 mg/kg.bw, the weight and number of black feces within 24 h, and the gastrointestinal transit ratio were distinctly increased by 96.8%, 156.5% and 45.3%, respectively. Furthermore, KMOS regulated the levels of enteric nervous system parameters, including motilin, somatostatin, substance P, acetyl cholinesterase, endothelin and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Additionally, KMOS could recover the characteristics of small intestine villi and inhibit the reduction of mucosal thickness. KMOS administration produced more short chain fatty acids and lactic acid compared with the control group. The availability of 5-hydroxytryptamine and the expression of serotonin transporter were ameliorated in the KMOS treatment groups. Collectively, these findings suggested that KMOS could be considered as a functional food material for regulating intestinal function and alleviating constipation.