Effects of Fermented Chicory Fiber on the Improvement of Intestinal Function and Constipation

This study investigated the improvement effects of fermented chicory fiber (FCF) on the intestinal func- tion and constipation. The condition of fermentation was Bifidobacterium thermophilum added into chicory fiber (CF) flour suspension with the range of a 1% before incubation at 37°C for 48 hr. The intestinal improvement effect of FCF was measured by the charcoal meal transit method in Balb/c mice. The intestinal transit with FCF at a dose of 1.62 mg/g was significantly increased to 88% compared with the CF group (P<0.01). Further, the constipation relief effect was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats with loperamide-induced constipation. After oral administration of FCF 2.06 mg/g was remarkably decreased to 75% in fecal output compared with CF group (P<0.01). These findings indicated that FCF was more effective than CF for the intestinal function and constipation.