The aim of the present study was to investigate the purgative effect of Maren Runchang Wan and to identify the mechanism involved compared with rhubarb, emodin.Providing theoretical basis for the clinical application of Maren Runchang Wan.

96 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, Maren Runchang Wan group, rhubarb group and emodin group.Recorded the general condition, intestinal transmission function.Another 96 rats were also randomly divided into control group, Maren Runchang Wan group, rhubarb group and emodin group.Then detected the changes of intestinal wall tissues, frequency, amplitude and myenteric plexus nerve of intestines.

In Maren Runchang Wan group, the changes of purgative effect, intestinal movement function, intestinal wall tissue and myenteric plexus nerve were slight after long-term drug.In rhubarb group and emodin group, the changes of general condition were apparent.the main performances changes were that the purity of the fur was poor, the movements were reduced and weak.The purgative effect and intestinal movement function were weaker than Maren Runchang Wan group in the later stage.While the injuries of intestinal wall tissues were more severe in the later stage.The amounts of cholinergic nerve were increased in the early stage and decreased in the late stage.The amounts of nitrogen nerve were decreased in the early stage and increased in the late stage.

The purgative effects of Maren Runchang Wan were milder but the adverse effects were lighter than rhubarb group and emodin group.Maren Runchang Wan is suit for long-term application in elderly patients with constipation.