PREVALENCE OF CONSTIPATION IN MALAYSIA AND DECIPHERING PERCEPTION TOWARDS AGARWOOD LEAF PRODUCT AS REMEDY

Agarwood leaves hold a significant potential for sustainable product development due to their beneficial bioactive compounds. Previous studies have investigated its leaf extract as a safe treatment for constipation. Constipation is a common malady of the digestive tract, but little is known about its incidence in Malaysia. Conventional remedies like laxatives often cause side effects such as cramping, diarrhoea, and nausea. Hence, this study examines the prevalence of constipation among Malaysians; its treatment approaches (medication, diets) and associated side effects. Additionally, this study also explores public perception and knowledge of agarwood leaves and evaluates their receptiveness to a novel product—a sustainable agarwood leaf extract to provide relief to constipation. An online survey was distributed via Google Forms on social media, which received a total of 413 responses. Results showed 73.8% of respondents reported experiencing constipation recently, with 56.1% saying they suffered negative effects after taking existing remedies. Notably, many respondents did not know about the benefits of agarwood leaf in relieving the condition, although up to 93% was receptive towards the proposed innovation. This survey provides valuable insights into the prevalence of constipation among Malaysians, it treatment methods and the level of public acceptance in consuming agarwood leaf extract to relieve the condition.