According to researchers, a stimulation of a group of nerve ending receptors may facilitate bowel movement.
Scientists from Emory University in Atlanta have also been testing various compounds that may work with those receptors, paving a way for the development of new laxatives.
The research involved two groups of mice, the first of which had normal adenosine receptors and normal bowel movements. The second group lacked these receptors and showed signs of constipation.
The mice were made to drink a dye not absorbed by the body to see how it passed or did not pass. The researchers also used microscopic lasers to separate the nerve cells from the bowel to determine exactly where the receptors are located. Then they tested various chemicals that can activate or inhibit the nerve receptors.
“I find the study to be very compelling,” says Dr. Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the journal which published the article detailing the research.
“First, we can look forward to a solution to what is sometimes a serious problem, especially in infants and the elderly. Second, its the first definitive proof that the adenosine receptors control bowel function,” he adds.
For those who suffer from constipation drinking prune juice or taking nutritional supplements containing fiber may also be an option. 