Constipation Composition Synergistic Osmotic and Prebiotic Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for constipation, including dietary changes and pharmacological therapies, often have limited efficacy and can cause side effects, and there is a need for a more effective and tolerable solution that addresses the underlying physiological issues of slow colonic transit and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining lactitol, lactulose, an extract of the Plantago genus, and inulin or fructooligosaccharides, which work synergistically to increase faecal volume, improve consistency, and enhance intestinal motility through osmotic and prebiotic actions, thereby facilitating regular bowel movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pharmacological therapies are used to treat constipation, then evacuation frequency is improved, but side effects occur and tolerability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple natural ingredients (lactitol, lactulose, Plantago extract, inulin/fructooligosaccharides) into a single composition that works synergistically to treat constipation, achieving effective evacuation frequency improvement while minimizing side effects through the complementary mechanisms of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes osmotic effects and prebiotic actions to change the physiological parameters of intestinal transit and faecal consistency, thereby improving evacuation frequency through natural mechanisms rather than aggressive pharmacological interventions
2Productivity
If bulk-forming laxatives are used to increase faecal mass, then evacuation frequency is improved, but abdominal pain and flatulence may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The composition modifies faecal parameters through osmotic action and prebiotic effects, improving evacuation frequency by changing the chemical and physical properties of faeces rather than simply increasing mass, thereby avoiding abdominal pain and flatulence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces prebiotic substances (inulin, fructooligosaccharides) that act as intermediaries to promote beneficial bacterial growth, which then produce short-chain fatty acids that improve colonic motility and evacuation frequency without causing discomfort
3Productivity
If stimulant laxatives are used to increase intestinal motility, then evacuation frequency is improved, but dependency and tolerance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The composition promotes self-service by utilizing the body's own intestinal flora and natural osmotic mechanisms to improve evacuation frequency, rather than imposing external stimulant forces that create dependency and tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physiological parameters of intestinal transit through osmotic effects and prebiotic actions, improving evacuation frequency in a sustainable manner that does not lead to dependency or tolerance issues
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively increases evacuation frequency, faecal weight, and consistency, improving intestinal well-being with a favorable safety profile and patient compliance, as demonstrated by clinical studies and experimental protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism of action thereof is linked to their ability to reach the colon in an unchanged manner establishing an osmotic gradient which increases fecal volume and peristalsis
Implementation Method 2
Inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are compounds containing fructose chains bound to a terminal glucose wherein the fructose units are linked by β(2-1) bonds and glucose is linked by an α(1-2) bond. Thanks to the presence of β(2-1) type bonds, inulin and FOSs are not digestible by digestive enzymes in the small intestine and reach intact the colon wherein they are fermented forming SCFAs and gasses through the action of colon bacteria.
Implementation Method 3
The extract of at least one plant belonging to the genus Plantago, swelling in contact with biological fluids, is able to increase weight and to improve consistency of faeces
Implementation Method 4
establishing an osmotic gradient which increases fecal volume and peristalsis
Data Source
AI summary
A composition containing a synergistic association of lactitol, lactulose, the extract of at least one plant belonging to the genus Plantago and inulin or fructooligosaccharides for the treatment of constipation is described.