To treat constipation, many people seek out natural laxatives. Natural laxatives are agents derived from natural sources used for treating the condition of constipation. There are a number of such agents, some of which are supposed to be taken like an herb and others like foodstuff. Broadly they can be categorized into two types: the herbal agents and the fiber supplement agents. One question for both consumers and entrepreneurs is the nature of the laxative market.
To begin, let’s consider the statistics for the U.S. which has a population of 300 million. Amongst these, medical surveys have indicated there are approximately 5-10% who suffer from some form of constipation. The fraction is substantial, translating to approximately 15 to 30 million sufferers. Of these, the majority seek little or no treatment. However, another fraction spend almost $665 million on over-the-counter laxatives. Therefore the potential for half a billion dollars exist in both natural and pharmaceutical laxatives.
The first kind of natural laxative considered here is fiber-based, often suggested as a first line therapy for idiopathic constipation. Fiber is a polymeric sugar-like molecule that is indigestible to humans. It also soaks up moisture easily, thus retaining fluid in the gut which makes the stool bulkier, softer and more mobile. Most people know of high fiber products like bran grains and psyllium seeds.
From a dietary point of view, it’s not necessary to use supplements to get daily recommended allowances. Eating foods such as prunes, pears and oranges will provide not only fiber but also sorbitol which also aids in digestion. However, the convenience of supplements is what attracts many people to take it in place of lots of fruits and vegetables.
The second category of natural laxatives is the herb type that are represented by the trifecta of aloe, cascara and senna. These three are plants that have been used for hundreds or thousands of years for their anti-constipation properties. Usually the FDA has stayed out of regulating herbal medicines, however in recent years it has stepped in and banned the labeling of cascara and aloe as “stimulant laxatives”.
Senna alone is sold specifically as a laxative at various outlets. It can be purchased in a number of different forms depending on the consumers’ preferences. The tea form is popular as it just needs to be brewed. After brewing the liquid will contain enough of the active sennoside compound to have an effect on bowel movements.
The consensus is that constipation remains a large problem for many people, and represents a niche that is yet to be fully exploited. Because constipation is often a chronic condition that requires repeat treatment, many people find the notion of natural laxatives to be attractive. However, the long term consequences of taking natural agents remains unclear.
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