Purgative Activities of Seunggitangs

The purgative activity of Seunggitang prescriptions (Deseunggitang, Soseunggitang and Joweseunggitang) was measured to compare the laxative potency of these herbal prescriptions. Daeseunggitang and Jowiseunggitang more potently stimulated the transportation of small and large intestine than Rhei Rhizoma alone. However, the small and large intestine transportation activities of Soseunggitang were similar to those of Rhei Rhizoma alone. Soseunggitang inhibited nitrite production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and trypsin than the other Seunggitangs. The inhibitory activity of Jowiseunggitang was more potent on nitrite production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells than those of Daeseunggitang. These results suggest that Daeseunggitang can be used as a emergent purgative for patients with severe fever and constipation, Soseunggitang can be as a mild purgative for chronic constipation with inflammation and Jowiseunggitang can be as a potent purgative for patients for severe constipation and weak colitis.