The effect of Mallotus japonicus Muell. Arg. cortex water extract on defecation frequency and fecal characteristics was studied in 33 healthy women subjects with constipation tendency. The experimental duration (52 days) was divided into 4 phases : pre-ingestion period (2 weeks), un-observation period (10 days), ingestion period (2 weeks) and post-ingestion period (2 weeks). The subjects were divided into 3 groups after pre-ingestion period. Four capsules containing Mallotus japonicus water extract or not containing (placebo) were taken per day for 2 weeks. Two type of capsules for Mallotus japonicus were different content of extract, each intake of extract was 300mg (F300) or 550mg (F550) per day. Increase in defecation frequency and fecal amount was observed during ingestion period compared with pre-ingestion period in F300 and F550 groups, however in placebo group wasn't significantly. In F550 group defecation frequency was decreased significantly after discontinuation of the ingestion, however in placebo and F300 groups wasn't significantly. These results demonstrated that the ingestion of 300mg Mallotus japonicus water extract per day for 2 weeks improve defecation frequency and fecal amount of healthy women with a tendency of constipation. The relation of fecal amount and length of ingestion suggested that the ingestion of low dose act better as laxative by continuance.
