Effect of Yi Fu Kang Oral Liquid on Gastrointestinal Side Effects Caused by Chemotherapy.

Objective We aimed to investigate whether Yi Fu Kang oral liquid (YFK) could reduce the gastrointestinal side effects caused by chemotherapy. Methods We randomized 40 animals into four groups for treatment: Control (0.8 mL 0.9% saline solution /100 g body weight/day), Ou Li shu (0.8 mL/100 g body weight/day), YFK (1 mL/100 g body weight/day) and YFK groups [2 mL/100 g body weight/day] (n = 10 in each group). The latency time to first emesis and the total number of emetic behaviours were recorded. The gastrointestinal function of YFK was assessed by observing gastric remnant rate of methyl orange and charcoal powder propelling test of small intestine. Gross mucosal damage was assessed in a blind manner by calculation of a lesion index. Results Different dosages of Yi Fu Kang oral liquid can obviously promote the gastric emptying ( p< 0.01) and the promotion of small intestine function ( p< 0.01). Yi Fu Kang oral liquid can also protect the gastric mucosa and reduce the emetic response. Conclusion Yi Fu Kang oral liquid can enhance the function of gastrointestinal of animals by reducing the number of emetic responses, protecting the gastric mucosa and propelling movement of small intestine.