Sandongcha, a TCM preparation composed of Ilex latifolia Tunb., Ilex asprella (Hook. et Arn.) Champ. ex Benth., Terminalia chebula Retz. etc., was found to increase the propulsive rate of small intestine, the frequency of defecation, and the weight and water contents of stool in mice. Furthermore, Sandongcha significantly enhanced the intestinal water contents in mice and rats, suggesting that the preparation has an action of loosing the bowel and relieve constipation. It was speculated that this preparatio...