principle. Several or all of the biologically active substances in a certain
kampo medicine may influence the multiple target sites and the systems of
the whole body via one or more combination effects (see Figure 8.2). As
each kampo formulation contains many constituents derived from the
component herbs, the action of the kampo medicine becomes very compli-
cated when the preparation is administered orally. When the effects of sera
taken from orally prednisolone-treated mice 1 hour after administration are
compared with those of the control mice, the former inhibit lipopolysaccha-
ride (LPS)-induced mitogenic responses dose dependently. These in vitro
findings are similar to in vivo effects of prednisolone in rats. Although the
approach is indirect, it is useful to employ sera obtained from animals
administered orally with the test samples for in vitro investigations. When
spleen cells are treated with Shosaikotowithout LPS, mitogenic responses of
spleen cells of mice treated orally with Shosaikoto were not observed and
the addition of sera from similarly treated mice did not affect the
responses.^12 However, only the direct addition of Shosaikototo the culture
medium reveals a mitogenic effect.^13 Therefore, an indirect in vitro effect
may reflect the in vivo action of the formulation. As the serum samples
contained active principles of orally administered kampo medicines, which
are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, Tashiro advocates a similar
approach for the in vitro evaluation of kampo medicines.^14 He further
Japanese kampo medicine | 237Figure 8.5 Cathartic activity and metabolite of sennosides from Rhei rhizoma.
Glc-O O OHGlc-O OH HOHCOOHHO OOOHCOOHHO O OHCOOHCOOHSennoside
A or BInjectionCathartic activity Cathartic activityAntibioticAnti-bacterial activityRheinOral administrationIntestinal
bacteriaRhein-anthrone
(Cathartic activity)