embryo septal cells were cultured with Kamiuntanto, a significant increase
of ChAT activity was observed as seen with nerve growth factor (NGF).^24
When the 2-year-old rats, with decreased memory and learning activity on
passive avoidance test, were given Kamiuntantoorally, mean latency was
significantly increased similar to mature rats.^25 Oral administration of
Kamiuntantoenhanced ChAT activity and the NGF mRNA expression in
the frontoparietal cortex of the rats.^24 A clinical study showed that Kamiun-
tanto was well tolerated by Alzheimer’s disease patients, and that it tran-
siently restored cognitive function over baseline for an average of 9 months.^2
This study suggests that Kamiuntantomay be a safe and efficacious herbal
medicine for the symptomatic treatment in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s
disease. When Kamiuntantoand donepezil, which is an anti-Alzheimer’s
disease drug, were taken together, after 12 weeks’ treatment, a significant
improvement in cognition was noted only in the combination therapy
group, not in the monotherapy group. A significant increase in cerebral
blood flow was also seen in the frontal region and lenticular nucleus only in
patients who received the combination therapy. Therefore the combination
of donepezil plus Kamiuntantois safe and more effective in maintaining
cognitive function than monotherapy.
The pharmacological activities of widely used kampo medicines are
listed in Table 8.5.
Clinical studies
The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare requested clinical re-evaluation
of eight kampo formulations by double-blind, placebo-controlled study in
- For the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it is necessary to
prepare placebo granules with similar taste and colour as the active
preparation. In the case of a decoction, preparation of a control extract is very
difficult.
Three formulae have been re-evaluated:
- Shosaikoto (Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang)was evaluated for efficacy in chronic
active hepatitis. - Daiokanzoto (Da-Huang-Gan-Cao-Tang) was proofed for
constipation. - Shoseiryuto(Xiao-Quing-Long-Tang) was for bronchitis and perennial
nasal allergy by double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Rikkunshito (Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang) and Shakuyakukanzoto (Shao-Yao-Gan-
Cao-Tang) were also reported as being effective for the treatment of
dysmotility-like dyspepsia and the muscle cramps accompanying cirrhosis,
respectively.
242 | Traditional medicine