Abstract: To investigate the effects of volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome on the gastrointestinal motility of mice,mice were divided into control group,rhubarb group,volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 5.2 g/kg dose group,and volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 10.4 g/kg dose group.The effects of volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome on the intestinal propulsion function,defecation function,and gastric emptying function of mice were explored through intestinal propulsion test,defecation observation,and gastric emptying test.The results showed that the charcoal retention rate of the rhubarb group,volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 5.2 g/kg dose group,and volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 10.4 g/kg dose group was all higher than that of the control group;the first black defecation time of the rhubarb group,volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 5.2 g/kg dose group,and volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 10.4 g/kg dose group was all earlier than that of the control group;the gastric emptying rate of the rhubarb group,volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 5.2 g/kg dose group,and volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 10.4 g/kg dose group was all higher than that of the control group;the enhancement effect of volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome 10.4 g/kg dose group was comparable to that of the rhubarb group.The results suggest that volatile oil of the Alpinia japonica rhizome has certain promoting effects on the intestinal propulsion,defecation,and gastric emptying of mice.

Key words: Alpinia japonica, volatile oil, gastrointestinal motility, intestinal propulsion, defecation, gastric emptying