Abstract:Functional constipation（FC）is a functional bowel disease characterized by difficulty or low frequency of bowel movements.Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota is closely related to intestinal transport dysfunction. Because of the natural origin，low toxicity，and mild side effects，the active ingredients（e.g.，flavonoids and polysaccharides）of plants with both edible and medicinal values can be used as complementary and alternative drugs to relieve constipation by regulating gut microbiota. Therefore，these active ingredients，as a new method for alleviating FC，have attracted extensive attention. The pathogenesis of FC and its correlation with gut microbiota were reviewed，and the research progress in amelioration of FC by active ingredients of plants with both medicinal and edible values based on gut microbiota was summarized.The review aimed to provide reference for revealing the mechanisms of these active ingredients in promoting intestinal health and alleviating FC.