Researchers discovered that a special supplement made from hawthorn berries and helpful bacteria may relieve constipation by protecting your gut cells. In laboratory tests, this supplement stopped harmful cell damage in the intestines and reduced inflammation. The study used mice with constipation and human intestinal cells to understand how the treatment works. Scientists found that the supplement works through multiple pathways in your body, making it potentially safer than current medications. While these results are promising, more human studies are needed before doctors can recommend it widely.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special supplement made from hawthorn berries combined with beneficial bacteria could help relieve constipation and how it works inside the body
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with constipation and human intestinal cells grown in dishes. No human participants were involved in this study.
  • Key finding: The hawthorn-probiotic supplement significantly reduced cell damage in the intestines and decreased inflammation markers, suggesting it could help relieve constipation through multiple protective mechanisms
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a natural alternative to current constipation treatments may be possible, but it’s still in early stages. Don’t replace your current medications without talking to your doctor, as human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using two main approaches. First, they studied mice that had been given medication to cause constipation, observing how the hawthorn-probiotic supplement affected their condition. Second, they grew human intestinal cells in dishes and exposed them to a special liquid that mimicked the gut environment, then treated these cells with the supplement and measured what happened.

The researchers used several advanced techniques to measure results. They used flow cytometry (a machine that counts and analyzes cells) and microscopy (powerful magnifying tools) to see if cells were dying or surviving. They also used molecular testing methods to identify which genes and proteins were being activated or deactivated by the treatment.

Network pharmacology—a computer-based approach—helped scientists map out all the different ways the supplement might be working in the body by analyzing thousands of data points simultaneously.

This research approach is important because it combines animal studies with laboratory cell studies to understand both whether something works and how it works. By using multiple methods, scientists can be more confident in their findings. The network analysis helps identify the actual mechanisms, which is crucial for developing safe and effective treatments.

This study was published in Frontiers in Immunology, a respected scientific journal. The research used established laboratory techniques and multiple measurement methods to verify results. However, this is preliminary research using animals and cells in dishes, not human volunteers, so results may not directly apply to people. The study did not specify the exact number of mice or cell samples used, which would help readers assess the study’s strength.

What the Results Show

The hawthorn-probiotic supplement significantly reduced the activation of cell death pathways in intestinal cells. Specifically, it lowered levels of proteins called caspase-3 and caspase-9, which are like ‘death signals’ that tell cells to die. This is important because constipation often involves damage to intestinal cells, and protecting these cells may help restore normal function.

The supplement also reduced pyroptosis, which is a type of inflammatory cell death. It decreased levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD proteins that trigger this harmful process. Additionally, the treatment restored balance between pro-death proteins (Bax) and anti-death proteins (Bcl-2), essentially tipping the scales toward cell survival.

The supplement selectively calmed the immune system by reducing certain inflammatory molecules (IL-2 and IL-17A) while leaving other immune responses intact. This selective action is valuable because it fights inflammation without completely shutting down immune protection.

Network analysis revealed the supplement works through multiple pathways simultaneously, including the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling routes, which are major inflammation control systems in the body.

The research showed that the supplement’s benefits came from remodeling the gut’s immune environment—essentially creating a healthier internal landscape. By reducing specific types of inflammatory cells (Th2 and Th17 responses) without affecting other immune functions (Th1 responses), the treatment achieved a more balanced immune state. This multi-target approach suggests the supplement is less likely to cause the side effects that single-target drugs sometimes produce.

Previous research has shown that probiotics and postbiotics (their byproducts) can help with digestive health, but this study provides new details about the specific mechanisms. The focus on preventing cell death (apoptosis) and inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) in intestinal cells is a newer understanding of how these supplements might work. This builds on earlier work showing that gut bacteria influence intestinal health, but goes deeper into the molecular details.

This study only tested the supplement in laboratory conditions and mice, not in humans. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans due to differences in physiology and metabolism. The study didn’t specify exact sample sizes, making it harder to assess statistical power. Additionally, the research used one specific type of hawthorn-probiotic combination, so results may not apply to other similar products. Long-term effects and optimal dosing were not evaluated. Finally, this was a controlled laboratory study, which is very different from real-world conditions where many factors affect constipation.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, hawthorn-probiotic postbiotics show promise as a potential constipation treatment (moderate confidence level). However, recommendations cannot be made for human use yet because human clinical trials have not been completed. Current evidence supports continued research and development. If you have chronic constipation, continue working with your healthcare provider on proven treatments while staying informed about emerging options.

This research is most relevant to people with chronic constipation, particularly older adults who often experience this problem. It may also interest people seeking natural alternatives to current medications. Healthcare providers and pharmaceutical researchers developing new constipation treatments should pay attention to these findings. People with severe constipation or underlying conditions should not self-treat based on this research alone.

If this supplement eventually becomes available for human use, benefits would likely take several days to weeks to appear, similar to current constipation treatments. This is not a quick-fix solution. Long-term effects and optimal treatment duration remain unknown and would need to be studied in human trials.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily bowel movements (frequency and consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale) and note any digestive symptoms like bloating or discomfort. Record this data weekly to identify patterns and measure improvement over time.
  • If this supplement becomes available, users could set daily reminders to take it consistently, log their digestive symptoms before and after starting, and track changes in bathroom habits to see if the supplement is helping their individual situation.
  • Maintain a 4-week baseline of digestive symptoms before starting any new supplement, then continue tracking for 8-12 weeks to allow adequate time for effects to appear. Compare weekly averages to identify trends rather than focusing on daily variations, which are normal.

This research is preliminary and has not been tested in humans. Do not use this information to replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you have chronic constipation, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions. The hawthorn-probiotic supplement discussed in this study is not yet available as a commercial product. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are considering or using.