The Effectiveness of Mashiningan for Constipation in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

We conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of mashiningan for constipation in Parkinson's disease. Twenty-three patients with constipation in Parkinson's disease were enrolled and were evaluated after 1 month in this study. The mashiningan efficacy endpoint in the study was bowel movement frequency. We categorized treatment effect as “effective”, “ineffective”, and “worsened” to calculate increased, unchanged, and decreased bowel movement frequencies, respectively. Previously administered laxative was also switched to mashiningan and subsequent effect was evaluated as well. Mashiningan was effective in 78.3% of patients, and there were no patients determined to have “worsened”. The only adverse effect was diarrhea which was noted in 13.0% of patients. Mashiningan was effective in 86.7% of the 15 patients without laxative administration history, and was effective in 62.5% of 8 patients who had taken laxative previously. Therefore, mashiningan showed a higher degree of efficacy in the patients off medication for constipation. Additionally, mashiningan could be safely switched to from other laxatives without worsening constipation. In conclusion, mashiningan is a useful medication for the treatment of constipation in Parkinson's disease.