It is used as a children's laxative. I don't think it's effects are as strong as sorbitol. Mannitol, however, crosses the blood-brain barrier, carrying the anatabine with it, I think. Hence the effects on Alzheimer's, IMHO.
The effect about which I complain (so does my bedmate) is intestinal gas. Other effects, such as the one you mentioned, aren't obvious, but there may be a softening effect. That's not been a problem.
I take it that you haven't tried the product yourself?
Dino