A Study of Perturbation of Human Small Intestinal Colonic Permeability

Developing an Approach to Perturbation of Human Small Intestinal and Colonic Permeability in Healthy Participants

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of castor oil versus placebo on intestinal permeability in healthy individuals.

Randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, blinded, dose-response study using Castor oil and see the effects it has on small bowel and colonic permeability measured in healthy female and male adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, non-obese, non-pregnant volunteers.
• 1:1 Male/Female Ratio.
• BMI < 30 kg/m^2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (with BP measured > 140/90mmHg in the CRTU)
• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2.
• Chronic NSAID use (> 1 day/week).
• Use of oral antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to and during the entire 5 day study period.
• Known intolerance of castor oil.
• Diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases that are associated with abnormal intestinal or colonic permeability such as inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
• Prior intestinal or colonic resection.
• Participation in highly vigorous exercise such as running > 5 miles per day in week prior to the permeability test.