Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effect of anthracenedione derivative-sennoside extracted from rhubarb on intestinal movement of mice and its mechanism.METHODS: The effect of sennoside on intestinal movement of mice was observed by moist dejection counting test.The levels of motilin and somatostatin in small intestine of mice were determinated by radioimmunoassay.The Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa was measured by spectroscopic analysis.RESULTS: Different dosage of sennoside enhanced the function of excreting dejection .Different dosage of sennoside elevated the levels of motilin, and reduced the content of somatostatin in small intestine of mice significantly.The Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa of mice in sennoside group was inhibited significantly.CONCLUSION: Sennoside can enhance the function of intestinal movement of mice by a mechanism of promoting excretion of motilin, lower the level of somatostatin in intestine and inhibit the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa.

Key words: sennoside, motilin, somatostatin, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, intestinal movement