Herbal blend and probiotics: a new hope for stubborn constipation?

This trial tests whether combining a 12-herb traditional Chinese medicine formula with plant-derived probiotics can improve symptoms of slow transit constipation, a condition where the colon moves stool too slowly. About 120 adults with this condition will be randomly assigned to receive the herbal formula plus probiotics, either alone or with a standard prokinetic drug, or the drug alone for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in constipation severity, quality of life, and how quickly stool moves through the colon, and will track relapse over 6 months.