Abstract
Background/objectives: Cheonggukjang is a traditional fermented soybean paste with significant health-promoting effects. On the other hand, there have been insufficient studies on the safety and efficacy of Cheonggukjang, which is produced using traditional methods containing toxins and biogenic amines (BAs). This study compared the laxative effect of Cheonggukjang, containing high or low levels of toxins and BAs (HTBC or LTBC) in a loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation mouse model. Materials/methods: To induce constipation, Lop (5 mg/kg) was administered orally to ICR mice twice a day for 4 days, and the dose was increased to 8 mg/kg after a 3-day rest period. Cheonggukjang (500 mg/kg, HTBC, or LTBC respectively) was administered for four weeks before the Lop treatment. Results: The number of stools, fecal weight, water contents, gastrointestinal transit, and histological alterations were recovered significantly in the HTBC or LTBC groups. HTBC and LTBC administration did not induce significant changes in body weight, dietary intake, and behavior. The opioid-receptor downstream signaling pathway in colon tissues was also evaluated. The c-Kit, stem cell kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases subfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38, were all downregulated in the HTBC or LTBC-administered mice colon compared to the Lop group. Conclusion: These results show that Cheonggukjang, containing high levels of toxins and BAs, have a similar laxative effect in a mouse model of Lop-induced constipation.