The Effects of a Ficus Carica in Subjects With Functional Constipation

Colon transit time was measured in study baseline and visit 3(8 week). Colonic transit time was measured by the method of Metcalf et al,. Subjects ingested a once-daily series of three distinctive ColomarkTM capsules at the same time each day for three consecutive days. Each capsule contained twenty radioopaque makers of a ring shape. Subjects then received abdominal X-rays 24 after the ingestion of the final capsule. Abdominal X-rays through a Number of markers present was confirmed. The CTT was calculated as the sum of the markers detected on X-ray.

Frequency of defecationI was measured in study baseline and visit 3(8 week).

Defecation time was measured in study baseline and visit 3(8 week).

Stool type was measured in study baseline and visit 3(8 week). Stool type is composed as follows: Separate hard lumps, like nuts. (score 1); Sausage-shaped but lumpy (score 2); Like a sausage or snake but with cracks on its surface (score 3); Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft. (score 4); Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (score 5); Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool (score 6); Watery, no solid pieces (score 7). The average score is closer to the three-point mode means a normal stool.

Abdominal discomfort was measured in study baseline and visit 3(8 week). Abdominal discomfort each question is composed as follows: Very poor (score 1); Poor (score 2); Average (score 3); Good (score 4); Very good (score 5). A higher score means severe abdominal pain.