Germinated barley foodstuff improves constipation induced by loperamide in rats.

The effects of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) derived from the aleurone and scutellum fractions of germinated barley low-lignified hemicellulose were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats with constipation induced by loperamide by addition to the diet (2 mg/kg body weight). Bowel movements were higher in the GBF-fed rats than in the cellulose-fed rats used as a control. Fecal water content was also higher in the GBF-fed rats. The concentration of short chain fatty acids in cecal content, especially butyrate, was significantly higher in the GBF-fed rats than in the cellulose-fed rats. These findings suggested that GBF helps normalize defecation not only in diarrhea but also constipation.