Prunus persica (Tao Ren)
Prunus persica contains spasmogenic (cholinomimetic) and spasmolytic (calcium antagonist) constituents, which are concentrated in the aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. Furthermore, the laxative effect of the plant reported in the traditional system of medicine may be partially due to the cholinergic action, which was dominant over the spasmolytic component.1
Prunus armeniaca (Xing Ren)
Prunus armeniaca has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. The kernel oil has been used in cosmetics and as a pharmaceutical agent (laxative and expectorant). In very small amounts, the toxic hydrogen cyanide present in Prunus armeniaca kernels has been prescribed for constipation.2
Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuan Shen)
Scrophularia ningpoens is among the top 10 single Chinese herbs prescribed for constipation, The herb contains a bioactive compound, iridoid, which research suggests possesses a purgative effect.2 3
Prunus armeniaca (Xing Ren)
Prunus armeniaca has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. Uses for Prunus armeniaca in folk medicine include treatment of hemorrhages, infertility, eye inflammation, and spasm. The kernel oil has been used in cosmetics and as a pharmaceutical agent (laxative and expectorant). In very small amounts, the toxic hydrogen cyanide constipation (1).present in Prunus armeniaca kernels has been prescribed for constipation.4
Angelica polymorpha (Dang Gui)
Angelica sinensis can promote intestine movements and increase gastric emptying time in mice with constipation.5
References
Anwar H Gilani, Nauman Aziz, Sadia M Ali, M Saeed, Pharmacological basis for the use of peach leaves in constipation, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 73, Issues 1–2, November 2000, Pages 87-93, ISSN 0378-8741, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(00)00288-9.
Maw-Shiou Jong, Shinn-Jang Hwang, Yu-Chun Chen, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Fun-Jou Chen, Fang-Pey Chen, Prescriptions of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Constipation Under the National Health Insurance in Taiwan, Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, Volume 73, Issue 7, 2010, Pages 375-383, ISSN 1726-4901
Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Menichini F, Statti GA, Menichini F. Biological and pharmacological activities of iridoids: recent developments. Mini Rev Med Chem 2008;8:399–420
Yigit. D, Yigit N and Mavi (2009) Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of bitter and sweet apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels
LIU Wuzhou; TUO Haiyan; DU Lidong; NIU Tinghui; WU Guotai; REN Yuan. The therapeutic effect of Angelica sinensis on mice with constipation due to blood deficiency and its possible mechanism. Gan Su Zhong Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao, 2016, (2): 1-4