Lactulose
Lactulose is a synthetic, non-digestible sugar that is clinically used to treat constipation, as it exhibits laxative activity; it is also used to treat hepatic encephalopathy-induced hyperammonemia. Lactulose induces retention of water. Metabolites of lactulose have peristalsis-stimulating activity.
References PubMed ID::http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18937217
Cas No. |
4618-18-2 |
---|---|
Purity |
≥98% |
Formula |
C12H22O11 |
Formula Wt. |
342.30 |
Chemical Name |
4-O-b-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-fructose |
IUPAC Name |
(2S,3R,4S,5R,6R)-2-[(2R,3S,4S,5R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol |
Synonym |
Bifiteral; Cephulac; Generlac, Lactuflor; Normase |
Melting Point |
169°C |
Solubility |
Soluble in water. |
Panesar PS, Kumari S. Lactulose: production, purification and potential applications. Biotechnol Adv. 2011 Nov-Dec;29(6):940-8. PMID: 21856402.
Shukla S, Shukla A, Mehboob S, et al. Meta-analysis: the effects of gut flora modulation using prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Mar;33(6):662-71. PMID: 21251030.