The Effects of Prune Juice on Bowel Movement Patterns, Constipation Symptoms, and Quality of Life

Launched by DALIN TZU CHI GENERAL HOSPITAL · May 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different amounts of prune juice can help older adults who have constipation. Researchers want to find out if drinking 100 mL, 150 mL, or 200 mL of prune juice each day for four weeks can improve bowel movements, reduce constipation symptoms, and enhance quality of life. The goal is to discover a safe and effective way to manage constipation without using medications, which can be particularly helpful for seniors.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 65 and 100 years old and have a diagnosis of functional constipation, which means you may have difficulty passing stools but do not have other serious gastrointestinal diseases. However, if you have diabetes, significant cognitive issues, or certain other health conditions, you may not be eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the prune juice groups and will need to drink the juice daily for the study duration. This trial is currently not recruiting, but it may offer a simple and natural option for managing constipation in older adults once it begins.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Older adults aged 65 to 100 years
• • Cognitively aware and able to express their opinions
• • Diagnosed with functional constipation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
• • Cognitive impairment, including moderate to severe dementia or psychiatric disorders
• • Aphasia
• • Severe hearing impairment
• * Presence of gastrointestinal diseases, including:
• • Gastrointestinal bleeding
• • Intestinal obstruction
• • Abdominal tumors
• • Irritable bowel syndrome
• • Acute diverticulitis
• • Diarrhea
• • Crohn's disease
• • Ulcerative colitis
• • History of abdominal surgery
• • Regular use of probiotics
• • Regular use of traditional Chinese medicine or folk remedies for constipation relief
• • Difficulty swallowing or risk of aspiration
• • Major illnesses, such as current cancer treatment or severe cardiovascular diseases
• • Currently hospitalized