Amelioration of Constipation by Cordyceps militaris Polysaccharides

The effect of constipation of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) polysaccharide was evaluated in rat constipated models. Constipation was induced by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride at a dosage of 0.75 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days. C. militaris polysaccharide at doses of 800, 400, 200 mg/kg (1 mL/100 g weight) were administered to loperamide-treated rats for 7 days. The serum levels of motilin, gastrin and substance P were significantly increased in the Loperamide/Maren group (P < 0.05) and C. militaris polysaccharide high dose group (P < 0.05) compared with the Loperamide only group. The levels of somatostatin in the Loperamide/Maren group (P < 0.05) and C. militaris polysaccharide high dose group (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased. Colon tissue slices were examined for any histologic changes. Colon tissues from constipated rats showed ruptured and abnormal cells. Such changes were less common in rats treated with high-dose C. militaris polysaccharide.