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Norio Iizuka1, Yoshihiko Hamamoto2

  • 1Department of Kampo Medicine, Yamaguchi University Hospital , Ube, Japan.

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Summary

Japanese herbal medicines (JHMs) offer a holistic approach to constipation, targeting multiple pathways unlike conventional single-drug treatments. This review explores JHMs like Daiokanzoto and Daikenchuto for improved constipation management.

Keywords:
Kampoconstipationherbherbal medicinetraditional medicine

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative and Complementary Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Constipation presents with diverse symptoms like difficult and hard stool passage, often inadequately addressed by single-pathway conventional treatments.
  • The multifactorial nature of constipation necessitates a more comprehensive therapeutic strategy beyond Western medicine's limitations.
  • Japanese herbal medicines (JHMs), rooted in Kampo medicine, have a long tradition of use as both food and medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and pharmacological efficacies of Japanese herbal medicines (JHMs) for constipation.
  • To provide a framework for understanding JHMs within the context of Kampo medicine's unique theoretical basis.
  • To highlight specific Rhei rhizoma-based and Kenchuto-based JHMs that modulate alimentary tract motility.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Japanese herbal medicines used for constipation.
  • Focus on standardized JHMs utilized by Japanese physicians for consistent quality and dosage.
  • Categorization of JHMs based on their primary herbal components (Rhei rhizoma, Kenchuto) and their mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Identified representative JHMs, including Daiokanzoto, Mashiningan, Keishikashakuyakuto, and Daikenchuto, as effective in coordinating alimentary tract motility.
  • These JHMs target multiple organs and cellular sites, offering a holistic approach to constipation.
  • Standardized JHMs ensure consistent quality and quantity, enhancing their clinical applicability.

Conclusions:

  • Japanese herbal medicines (JHMs) present a promising, multi-target therapeutic option for constipation.
  • Kampo medicine provides a unique theoretical framework for understanding the efficacy of JHMs in managing constipation.
  • Further understanding of JHMs can complement conventional treatments and offer a more holistic approach to gastrointestinal health.