Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jan;104(1):125-32.

Johnston JM, Kurtz CB, Drossman DA, Lembo AJ, Jeglinski BI, MacDougall JE, Antonelli SM, Currie MG.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 320 Bent Street, Cambridge, MA, USA. jjohnston@ironwoodpharma.com

OBJECTIVES: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder with limited treatment options. Oral administration of linaclotide, a novel peptide agonist of guanylate cyclase-C receptors, has been shown in animal studies to stimulate intestinal fluid secretion and transit. In Phase 1 studies in healthy human volunteers, linaclotide was well-tolerated, increased bowel movement frequency, and loosened stool consistency.

Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2009 Feb;16(1):53-9.

Camilleri M.

Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. camilleri.michael@mayo.edu

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the role of serotonin and its control in the manifestations and treatment of lower functional gastrointestinal disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature has explored several novel concepts in the association of serotonin and symptoms, alterations in tissue levels of serotonin and its reuptake protein, aspects of the genetic determinants of serotonergic function (particularly 5-HTTLPR) and its relationship to gastrointestinal motor and sensory functions, and novel serotonergic agents used in therapy of lower functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007; (4):CD003960 (ISSN: 1469-493X)

Evans BW; Clark WK; Moore DJ; Whorwell PJ
University of Hertfordshire, School of Pharmacy, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK, AL10 9AB. b.w.evans@herts.ac.uk

BACKGROUND: IBS is a complex disorder that encompasses a wide profile of symptoms. The symptoms of chronic constipation frequently resemble those of constipation-predominant IBS. Current drug treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are of limited value. Many target specific symptoms only. Tegaserod, a 5HT(4) partial agonist, represents a novel mechanism of action in the treatment of IBS and chronic constipation.

by A. Agrawal; P. J. Whorwell; Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Summary: A sensation of abdominal bloating, sometimes accompanied by an increase in girth (distension), is one of the most common and most intrusive features of functional bowel disorders.

The precise location of pain is one of the main reasons for proper diagnosis of patient’s conditions. The abdominal cavity has several organs; one on top the other in the lower abdomen, on the right or left side, so knowing their location can help to pre-determine what hurts.

Also, the nature of the pain may indicate the cause. Knowing characteristics of various diseases, physician concludes what could be the reason for dull, circular, acute pain, which started suddenly (such as gastric ulcer rapture of abdominal aorta,) or pain which increase gradually and slowly. The pain may have other specific characteristics, for example, it may radiate into the right shoulder suggesting bile stones, pain reaching the flank as spikes in the kidney or circular as chronic pancreatitis.

Brief description of the digestive system

Digestive system consists of several organs responsible for the break down and elimination of chemical components of foods: Stomach, Pancreas, Liver, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine.

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Symptoms such as bloating, gas, chronic constipation, and diarrhea, are mostly attributed to poor digestion.

IBS (IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME), is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain and alteration in bowel habits. "Up to 20% of the adult population has symptoms compatible with the diagnosis, but most never seek medical attention. It is a common problem presenting to both the gastroenterologist and the primary physician." (Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 37th Edition, chapter 14, p602).

Some of the reasons causing digestive disorders are:

Activity of the gastrointestinal tracts can vary widely. Established criteria identify chronic constipation when infrequent bowel movements are three times or fewer per week. However, people who eliminate stool no more than 3 times a week - suffer from chronic constipation. Those, who have to use a lot of energy to evacuate, should start to exercise and take natural supplements which regulate movement without damaging the flora.

Constipation is one of the most common complaints of many people, especially the elderly. Problems associated with emptying the colon are encountered by large percentage of people. In most cases, it is due to improper lifestyle and health conditions.

"Digest RC® (Raphacholin) - rediscovered supplement for liver problems"

Digest RC® (Raphacholin) is a popular herb supplement known on the pharmaceutical market for many years. It is greatly appreciated by wide range of patients, particularly those, who experience several painful and unpleasant symptoms of digestive disorders.

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The product reached great popularity because of its effectiveness in curing digestive disorders (mainly in the case of malfunctioning fat digestion) that were caused by lack of adequate amounts of bile. The symptoms correlating with these disorders were bloating and cramps (particularly after heavy foods, reach in animal fat), nausea, feeling of overfullness and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

"Digest RC® a potent natural supplement regulating digestion"

Digest RC® is an herbal OTC supplement used in Central Europe for over 50 years. Its wide range of effectiveness helps to regulate different digestive disorders. Like Aspirin, Digest RC® can be found in almost every household. Because of its history of safe use DigestRC® is generally accepted as the best digestant available.

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Digest RC® is recommended to patients who suffer from cholecystolithiasis, chronic cholecystisis and cholecystopathy as well as for those who don't have any morphological pathologies of digestive system but suffer from a malfunctioning of their digestive system such as constipation, or simply problems caused by consumption of heavy foods resulting in bloating and excessive fullness (effect of too slow process of cholepoiesis comparing to quantity and quality of taken food).