Effects of Young Barley Leaf Powder on Defecation Frequency and Fecal Characteristics of Healthy Volunteer

Abstract

The effects of young barley leaf powder(YBLP) on defecation frequency and fecal characteristics were studied in 61 healthy volunteers(34.1 •} 10.2 years old). The subjects were divided at random into 4 groups;non-dose control group(CG), low-dose group(LG), middle-dose group(MG), and high-dose group(HG). Total examination period was 4 weeks. After one week as the pre-test period, all groups were given a placebo diet for one week(placebo period). For the following 2 weeks(test period), CG, LG, MG and HG was given a placebo diet(not contained YBLP), a low-dose diet(1.5 g), a middledose diet(4.5 g) and a high-dose diet(6.0 g), respectively. In analysis, the subjects were screened under the condition that defecation frequency was below 7 times for one week of the pre-test period. This result showed that MG increased the defecation frequency and estimated fecal quantity significantly for the test period compared with those for the pre-test period, and HG increased them significantly for the test period compared with those for the pre-test period and placebo period. No clinical signs of toxicity recognized in the test period. These results suggest that YBLP has a fecal bulking effect and is useful for safety food material.