The hemp plant has many uses, with the flower parts having a concentration of cannabinoids (CBD) and the seeds having Omega 3 fatty acids. Many herbs have multiple actions on the body, and hemp seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating constipation for centuries. They have a soothing, moistening effect on the bowel. Research is now showing how these ancient uses of hemp have a basis in modern science. As more is learned about the hemp plant and its use in other species, that data can be used to help understand about using hemp for horses.

This study investigated the laxative effect of the water extract of Cannabis sativa L. (WECSL) in a constipation mouse model. The study found that WECSL treatment improved intestinal motility and water-electrolyte metabolism, decreased inflammatory responses, prevented gut barrier damage, and relieved anxiety and depression in constipated mice. WECSL also altered the composition of the gut microbiota, specifically Butyricicoccus and Parasutterella. The study suggests that WECSL could be investigated further as a treatment for constipation in modern medicine.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause discomfort and psychological distress for patients. Traditional Western medicine treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery, but some clients seek alternative treatments such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). MaZiRenWan (MZRW) is a commonly used TCM formula for constipation, and Cannabis sativa L. is a key ingredient in the formula. However, the targets of Cannabis sativa L. that enhance colonic motility and improve constipation symptoms are unknown.
The gut microbiota is also thought to play a role in constipation, and dysbiosis (imbalance) in the gut microbiota has been linked to the condition. The study investigated the laxative effect and underlying mechanism of the water extract of Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp Extract) in mice with constipation induced by loperamide, a medication used to treat diarrhea.
In this study, they found that the Hemp Extract treatment also altered the composition of the gut microbiota, significantly decreasing the amount of some bacterial species but increasing the abundance of others in the constipated mice. This changed the composition of the gut bacteria and improved constipation symptoms.

TCM treats constipation through multiple components, targets, pathways, and mechanisms, and WECSL functions to nourish Yin and moisten the intestines. Consumption of Cannabis sativa L. as a nutraceutical can provide general health benefits. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical therapeutic efficacy of WECSL and modulating gut bacteria in treating constipation.

The study found that WECSL improved intestinal motility and water-electrolyte metabolism, decreased inflammation, and prevented gut barrier damage, as well as relieving anxiety and depression in constipated mice. The study also found that WECSL altered the gut microbiota composition and abundance of bacteria related to inflammation. These findings suggest that WECSL may be a potential treatment for constipation from a modern medicine perspective and that the gut microbiota may play a role in its efficacy.

Cannabis sativa L. alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating the composition of gut microbiota in mice. Rong Li, Min Li, Bei Li, Wei-Hua Chen and Zhi Liu. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 02 December 2022 DOI 10.3389/fphar.2022.1033069