A DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL OF A CELANDIN, ALOE-VERA AND PSYLLIUM LAXATIVE PREPARATION IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH CONSTIPATION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel laxative preparation, composed of celandin, aloevera and psyllium in patients with chronic constipation. Thirty-five men and women were randomized to receive capsules containing celandin-aloevera-psyllium, or placebo, in a double-blind trial lasting 28 days. Symptoms in the last 2 weeks of the treatment period were compared to those in the 14-day pre-trial basal period. In the celandin, aloevera and psyllium group, bowel movements became more frequent, the stools were softer and laxative dependence was reduced. In the placebo group, all these parameters were unchanged. Abdominal pain was not reduced in either group. The results of this study show that the preparation is an effective laxative in the treatment of constipation.