They have lots of good things to say about its benefits in relieving constipation by gently stimulating motility, normalizing transit time, and increasing absorption of nutrients. I did a little internet research and found that it is presumed to work through supporting the growth of healthy bacteria -- e.g. it serves as a prebiotic -- but I do not know if the one negative effect (in bold) is worthy of concern. Apparently it has taken over the market for mild to moderate constipation in New Zealand.
Zyactinase stimulates the probiotic gut microflora whilst inhibiting pathogenic microflora
International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics, November 2008, vol./is. 3/4(231-238), 1555-1431
Author(s):
Weir I.E.,Peng R.,Bian M.L.,Matharu K.,Shu Q.
Abstract:
Zyactinase a freeze-dried extract of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) has been developed as a constipation relief product as well as for long-term gut health. Zyactinase contains a protease complex, fiber, pectin and fructo-oligosaccharides. Clinical Studies have proven that Zyactinase stimulates increased bowel movements and relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This was proposed to be partially due to the stimulation of the gut microflora. To investigate this, the effect of Zyactinase on the growth of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus planetarium was tested in vitro. Zyactinase was found to significantly increase the growth of these probiotic bacteria, in comparison to isomalt. Zyactinase was also tested in vitro against the pathogenic bacteria E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Zyactinase was found to significantly inhibit the growth of E.coli and Salmonella typhimurium with almost significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. However, Zyactinase stimulated the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Heating of the extract to deactivate the protease complex had no effect on the efficacy of Zyactinase to stimulate probiotic bacteria growth whilst inhibiting pathogenic bacterial growth. Therefore, it is likely that the probiotic-stimulating efficacy of Zyactinase originates from the fructo-oligosaccharides and pectin within Zyactinase. Copyright copyright 2008 by New Century Health Publishers, LLC.
Dr. Yasko recommends, besides Magnesium citrate, to increase bowel motility:
Cascara sagrada will help to stimulate
peristaltic motion in the gut, so it will speed up transit time. GABA is
needed for this motion so your daughter may have a slow transit time due
to decreased GABA levels. Triphala is a mixture of herbs that works really
well for contipation. Also rhubarb is helpful for peristaltic motion and
is milder than cascara. Rhubarb is also reported to help stop excess
bleeding.
Quote:
Triphala is an Ayurvedic mix of herbs that really helps with
constipation. Also aloe vera as a juice works well. The yellow dock and
artichoke can be used with each meal if needed. Rhubarb is milder than
cascara and also helps, like cascara to stimulate peristaltic motion.
Psyllium is also good to stimulate the bowels. The Colon Clenze formula
listed on holisticheal has a number of these herbs in one capsule.
Increasing magnesium is also very helpful. Where you are making dietary
changes, it can take a little while to optimize the supplements that you
want to use daily to promote regularity.
I have found Cascara too strong, do not like the effects of triphala. Have never tried rhubarb but read that it is a stimulating laxative. The idea that Phloe (zyactinase) works without being a laxative and that it normalizes gut health if used consistently is appealing.