Table 3. Table of data extraction.

RCT: Randomized clinical trial; CRC: colon rectal cancer; BMI: body mass index; TWK10: Lactobacillus plantarum

 

Author	Year of publication	Study design	Primary research	Outcome evaluation
Takeda et al. [16]	2023	RCT	Participants were divided into two groups for the study: the treatment group (n = 39) and the placebo group (n = 41).	The main outcome measure did not show statistical significance (P = 0.074). However, there was a significant improvement (P < 0.01) observed in the experimental group compared to baseline in the 1 month. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the placebo group.
Ma et al. [17]	2023	RCT	A 1 month and 12 days study was conducted to examine the impact of probiotics on relieving CC. The trial followed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled design.	The consumption of probiotics resulted in a notable enhancement in the average number of CSBMs and SBMs per week.
Lai et al. [18]	2023	RCT	A study was conducted over a period of 1 month, involving 250 adults who were diagnosed with FC. The trial was designed to be double-blinded and randomized, with a placebo control group.	Research has indicated that the consumption of dietary fibers or probiotics might be effective in alleviating constipation by promoting changes in gut microbiota that are specifically associated with relieving hard stool.
Šola et al. [19]	2022	RCT	The study included a total of 60 participants, consisting of 42 females and 18 males. All participants had FC and met the necessary eligibility criteria.	Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic mixture (N = 28) or a placebo (N = 32) for a duration of 3 months, in addition to their regular diet and medications.
Mitelmão et al. [20]	2022	RCT	Two formulations were developed in the form of an oral sachet containing probiotics, and their efficacy and safety were evaluated in adults with functional constipation.	The two probiotic cocktails were effective in improving the symptoms of FC
Martoni et al. [13]	2019	RCT	In total, a group of 94 adults who were otherwise in good health, and experiencing symptoms of FC, were randomly selected for the ITT.	The PAC-SYM questionnaire did not show any notable differences between the groups, although there were significant differences within each group (P < 0.001) throughout the duration of the study.
Ibarra et al. [21]	2018	RCT	A group of 228 adults who were diagnosed with FC based on the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to participate in trials that involved the use of placebos.	No significant differences were found in the primary or secondary outcomes between the interventions.
Moreira et al. [22]	2017	RCT	A study was conducted involving 49 women diagnosed with constipation based on the ROME III criteria. The trial was randomized and double-blind in nature.	The findings indicate that the ingestion of milk led to the alleviation of constipation symptoms, irrespective of the type of probiotic culture used.
Ojetti et al. [23]	2014	RCT	The RCT included a sample of 40 adults with an average age of 35 years who were diagnosed with FC based on the Rome III criteria.	In previous studies conducted on children, it has been shown that L. reuteri is more beneficial than a placebo in enhancing the frequency of bowel movements in adult patients with FC. However, it appears that L. reuteri does not have an impact on stool consistency.
Jayasimhan et al. [24]	2013	RCT	A group of 120 adults suffering from constipation, who were diagnosed using the Rome III criteria, were randomly assigned to receive either a microbial cell preparation or a placebo. The participants were instructed to consume their assigned treatment twice daily.	The use of microbial cell preparation has been found to be beneficial in enhancing both the frequency and consistency of stool.