Research progress in the treatment of slow transit constipation by traditional Chinese medicine

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder seriously impacting patients' quality of life. At present, although conventional chemical drugs effectively control STC symptoms in the short term, the long-term effects are poor, and the side effects are significant. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers an opportunity for STC treatment. Many pharmacological and clinical studies have confirmed this efficacy of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms.

Aim of the study: This review attempted to summarize the characteristics of TCM (compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, and active ingredients) for STC treatment and discussed their efficacy based on analyzing the pathogenesis of STC.

Materials and methods: The information was acquired from different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases. We then focused on the recent research progress in STC treatment by TCM. Finally, the future challenges and trends are proposed.

Results: TCM has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of STC with multi-mechanisms. Based on the theory of syndrome differentiation, five kinds of dialectical treatment for STC by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced, namely: Nourishing Yin and moistening the intestines; Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; Warming Yang and benefiting Qi; Soothing the liver and regulating Qi; and Benefiting Qi and strengthening the spleen. In addition, six single Chinese herbs and eight active ingredients also show good efficacy in STC treatment.

Conclusions: TCM, especially compound prescriptions, has bright prospects in treating STC attributed to its various holistic effects.

Keywords: Active ingredients; Compound prescriptions; Pharmacological mechanism; Single Chinese herbs; Slow transit constipation; Traditional Chinese medicine.