Consumption of Pu-erh tea can effectively alleviate symptoms of constipation, with effects comparable to the medicinal drug bisacodyl.
The methodology in the research focused on observing the effects of Pu-erh tea on induced constipation in mice. The study induced constipation through activated carbon and then assessed various factors, such as changes in body weight, dietary intake, gastrointestinal transit times, and physical characteristics of feces. The impact of Pu-erh tea was compared to that of bisacodyl, a well-known laxative. Specific dosage levels of Pu-erh tea were utilized while continuously observing the physiological responses and changes in mice.
The results showed a marked improvement in all major parameters related to constipation in mice treated with Pu-erh tea. It was found that body weight, dietary intake and water consumption were better in the tea-treated groups than in the carbon-induced constipation group. The gastrointestinal transit times were also considerably improved, with Pu-erh tea equivalent in efficiency to bisacodyl. In addition to this symptomatic relief, the serum levels of substances associated with gastrointestinal motility and function were significantly affected, indicating that Pu-erh tea has potential anti-constipation effects at a physiological level.
