Abstract:The laxative effect on slow transit constipation and intestinal flora-regulating function of apigenin were investigated through experiments with mice and in vitro microbial culture. Balb/C mice were divided into a blank control group, model group and apigenin intervention group. The slow transit constipation model was established with loperamide. Apigenin（200 mg/kg BW）was used to intervene constipated mice. The laxative effect of apigenin was evaluated through determining the time for the first black stool, number of stool particles within 6 h, stool weight, ink propulsion rate, and water content of stool. The intestinal bacteria of each group of mice were isolated and cultured in vitro, and colony count was measured to evaluate the intestinal flora-regulating function. Compared with the model group, the apigenin intervention group had a shorter time period for the first black stool (reduced by 25%, p<0.05), more stool particles within 6 h (increased by 0.86 times, p<0.05), higher stool weight (increased by 1.21times, p<0.05), higher ink propulsion rate (increased by 1.05 times, p<0.05), and higher stool water content (increased by 0.82 times, p<0.05). In vitro culture experiments showed that apigenin inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria (Enterobacter and Enterococcus) (p<0.05), and promoted the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) (p<0.05). Apigenin has a laxative effect on slow transit constipation in mice, which may be achieved through regulating the intestinal flora of constipated mice.
