Anticonstipation Activity of Garlic Fructans in Loperamide-Induced Constipated Mice: Impact of Polymerization Degree

Abstract

Constipation severely affects the quality of life, and current treatment strategies may cause adverse effects. Garlic fructans have shown great potential for improving gastrointestinal health. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects and mechanisms of three garlic fructans with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) against loperamide (Lop)-induced constipated mice. The results showed that garlic fructans accelerated intestinal motility (0.57–1.05-fold) and alleviated colonic crypt shortening (1.42–1.97-fold). Furthermore, dysregulation of excitatory/inhibitory gastrointestinal hormones was significantly alleviated, accompanied by restored propionic and butyric acid production and ameliorated bile acid metabolism disorders. Garlic fructans also improved gut microbiota homeostasis in constipated mice by inhibiting harmful bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Compared with high-DP garlic fructans, low-DP fructans exhibited stronger relieving effects on Lop-induced constipation symptoms in mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the anticonstipation activity of garlic fructans and revealed that low-DP garlic fructans were more effective in alleviating Lop-induced constipation.