Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits. Its chemical properties allow it to have multiple actions within the body. Its sweetening properties allow it to be used as a low-calorie sweetener in medicinal solutions. Its hyperosmotic properties allow it to work as a laxative, drawing water into the colon from surrounding body tissues to allow softening of stool and relieve constipation. This ability to draw in water also allows sorbitol to be used in saliva substitutes to relieve dry mouth and during transurethral prostatectomy as a urinary bladder wash.