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January 23, 2026Open Access

Evaluating Korean Medicine Interventions for Elderly Constipation: A Scoping Review

Puntos clave

To review the evidence on Korean medicine interventions for constipation in older adults.
Conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Searched five databases including Cochrane and PubMed until September 2025.
Included studies applying acupuncture, moxibustion, or herbal medicines in older adults (≥60 or 65 years).
Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria, including 12 RCTs and 10 quasi-experimental studies.
Common interventions were acupuncture (22), moxibustion (9), and herbal medicines (7), often used in combination.
Outcomes like defecation frequency and constipation scores showed significant improvement, with mild adverse events.

Resumen

Objectives: To review the current evidence on Korean medicine interventions for constipation in older adults.Methods: Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, five databases (Cochrane, PubMed, KISS, OASIS, and RISS) were searched up to September 2025. Studies targeting older adults (≥60 or 65 years) and applying acupuncture, moxibustion, or herbal medicines were included.Results: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria: 12 RCTs, 10 quasi-experimental studies, 3 case reports, and 1 review. Interventions included acupuncture (22), moxibustion (9), and herbal medicines (7), mainly in combination. Common outcomes-including defecation frequency, stool form, and constipation scores—showed significant improvement. Adverse events were mild and transient.Conclusions: Korean medicine therapies appear safe and effective for constipation in older adults, although standardized measures and higher-quality trials are required to reinforce clinical evidence.

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