The effects of young barley leaf powder(YBLP) on defecation frequency and fecal characteristics were studied in 61 healthy volunteers(34.1 ± 10.2 years old). The subjects were divided at random into 4 groups;non-dose control group(CG), low-dose group(LG), middle-dose group(MG), and high-dose group(HG). Total examination period was 4 weeks. After one week as the pre-test period, all groups were given a placebo diet for one week(placebo period). For the following 2 weeks(test period), CG, LG, MG and HG was given a placebo diet(not contained YBLP), a low-dose diet(1.5 g), a middledose diet(4.5 g) and a high-dose diet(6.0 g), respectively. In analysis, the subjects were screened under the condition that defecation frequency was below 7 times for one week of the pre-test period. This result showed that MG increased the defecation frequency and estimated fecal quantity significantly for the test period compared with those for the pre-test period, and HG increased them significantly for the test period compared with those for the pre-test period and placebo period. No clinical signs of toxicity recognized in the test period. These results suggest that YBLP has a fecal bulking effect and is useful for safety food material.
