Herbal blend, Digexin, supports bowel regularity in recent study

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A novel herbal blend containing Withania somnifera root and Abelmoschus esculentus fruit, called Digexin, was found in a recent study¹ to improve bowel function in adults between the age of 25 and 60. In the study, 135 men and women were randomized to receive placebo, 300 mg, or 500 mg of the herbal blend daily for 60 days. The primary outcome was the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 30, and 60 of supplementation. Secondary outcomes included Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores, Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT), and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM).

Results showed that supplementation with the herbal blend at both 300 and 500 mg significantly reduced PAC-SYM, with significant reductions in abdominal, rectal, stool, and total scores, compared to baseline and placebo. Results were seen as early as seven days into supplementation with total reduction post-trial reaching 93% and 98% for the 300 mg and 500 mg doses, respectively. The Digexin groups also saw significant reductions in PAC-QOL, GSRS scores, and GIT as well as improved CSBM scores. When it comes to quality of life, subjects taking the herbal blend saw significant reductions in subscale scores for physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, dissatisfaction, and worries and concerns.

"We saw some pretty impressive improvements across the board. People reported feeling better in terms of their digestive symptoms, overall quality of life, and even saw faster digestive transit times. Plus, they were going to the bathroom more regularly, which is always a good sign,” said Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT USA, in a press release. NXT USA Inc. is a global distributor for Digexin.

“But it wasn’t just about digestion,” added Anderson. “Sleep got better, and feelings of depression and anxiety eased up. And most importantly, the blood tests showed significant positive changes, validating that what people were reporting was supported by biomarker evidence."

More specifically, when it comes to biomarkers, Digexin significantly increased the serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, gastrin, while reducing IL-6, cortisol, and Zonulin.

"Digexin not only improved symptoms throughout the GI tract – from reflux and indigestion to bloating and constipation – but the effect sizes were substantial, almost eliminating symptoms completely in some cases,” noted Eric Withee of Freemen Nutra, the US & European distributor of Digexin, in a press release. “This is made possible by providing direct benefits to the GI tract while simultaneously helping shift the body away from the sympathetic, or ‘fight or flight’ tone, to the parasympathetic state more conducive to digestion.”
Reference

1. Singh, G.; Dixit, I.; Kalman, D.; Gogineni, N.T. A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study. Journal of the American Nutrition Association. 2024, Article ASAP. DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2024.2346073 (accessed 2024-05-29).