Effect of a cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 on digesta flow and recovery from constipation in a pig model and human subjects

Abstract

The effects of a cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 (EC-12) on the digesta flow in a pig model and its oral administration to humans were examined for its effect on frequency of defecation and faecal consistency. Latin square model was used in the pig study. Three sows fistulated at the caecum were fed a diet supplemented with either EC-12 or yeast cell wall (10 mg/kg body weight per day) for 9 days. An untreated control (C) was also obtained. Four markers (two were liquid and others solid markers) were used to determine the transit time of the liquid and solid phases of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of a dual marker system was for the better understanding of the digesta kinetics. YbCl3 and Co-EDTA were given with a morning meal, and CeCl3 and Eu-EDTA were given with a night meal on day 8. Caecal digesta were sampled every 2 h for 48 h after morning dosing. The total bioavailabilities of the liquid markers were lower in the EC-12 group than in the C group (Co-EDTA, 72%; Eu-EDTA, 63%). The relative concentrations of chloride to the liquid markers were higher in the EC-12 group than in other groups. Eleven volunteers ingested EC-12 (600 mg/day) for 30 days. EC-12 administration increased the frequency of defecation on day 30 in comparison with day 0. EC-12 stimulates the inflammatory reactions that relate ion and water secretion from the intestine. Accordingly, EC-12 may aid in the recovery from constipation through an acceleration of the liquid digesta flow in the large intestine. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.