A complex containing ashwagandha and okra extracts marketed as Digexin by NXT USA was associated with improvements in functional constipation, gastrointestinal transit time, and improved bowel function, in a study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association.
 
“Constipation, a prevalent gastrointestinal dysfunction, not only restricts social activities but also impairs both physical and mental health,” the authors said. “Our latest research, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial, confirms that Digexin stands out as a safe and effective supplement. It significantly enhances gut health by improving gastrointestinal transit times, as demonstrated by the innovative ‘blue poo’ test, which tracks digestion and bowel movement speeds.”
 
The ‘blue poo’ test, which utilizes blue food dye, allows for the direct measurement of digestive transit times. In this study, Digexin users experienced nearly four-hour reductions in digestive transit time than those in the placebo group on average.
 
135 participants were randomized to receive either 300 mg or 500 mg of Digexin or a placebo for 60 days. Assessments were made using a variety of self-reporting evaluations, measurements of gastrointestinal transit time, and complete spontaneous bowel movement scores, along with a comprehensive analysis of serum biomarkers.
 
Results found that by day seven, both treatment groups began experiencing significant improvements in measures of constipation symptoms, quality of life, bowel function, and mental health.
 
“We saw some pretty impressive improvements across the board. People reported feeling better in terms of digestive symptoms, overall quality of life, and even saw faster digestive transit times. Plus, they were going to the bathroom more regularly, which is always a good sign. But it wasn’t just about digestion. Sleep got better, and feelings of depression and anxiety eased up. And, most importantly, the blood tests showed positive changes, validating that what people were reporting was supported by biomarker evidence,” said Eric Anderson, managing director at NXT USA.
 
Specifically, supplementation appeared to increase serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, and gastrin, while reducing IL-6, cortisol, and zonulin.
 
“Digexin not only improved symptoms throughout the GI tract, from reflux and indigestion to bloating and constipation, but the effect sizes were substantial, almost eliminating symptoms completely in some cases,” said Eric Withee of Freemen Nutra, NXT USA’s U.S. and European distributor. “This is made possible by providing direct benefits to the GI tract while simultaneously helping shift the body away from the sympathetic, or ‘fight or flight’ tone, to the parasympathetic state more conducive to digestion.”