Effects of Hangeshashinto on the nasal physiological function: An in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Nasal Physiology
• Traditional Japanese Medicine

Background:

• Hangeshashinto is a Kampo medicine used for oral and gastrointestinal issues.
• It possesses antibacterial properties and reduces prostaglandin E2 production.
• Hangeshashinto contains cAMP, known to facilitate ciliary beat, suggesting potential benefits for nasal mucosa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Hangeshashinto on nasal mucosa physiology.
• To evaluate its impact on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and epithelial histology.

Main Methods:

• Nasal mucosal sections from rabbits were cultured and treated with Hangeshashinto (1.0%, 2.5%), cAMP, or saline.
• Ciliary beat frequency was measured at 1, 3, and 7 days post-treatment.
• Histological evaluation of epithelial damage was conducted at 7 days.

Main Results:

• A 1.0% Hangeshashinto solution significantly increased CBF at 3 and 7 days compared to controls.
• CBF increases in the 1.0% Hangeshashinto group were comparable to the 100 µM cAMP group.
• The 2.5% Hangeshashinto group showed reduced histological scores, indicating less damage.

Conclusions:

• 1.0% Hangeshashinto solution promotes ciliary function in nasal mucosa without causing histological damage.
• Hangeshashinto, at appropriate concentrations, may improve the physiological functions of nasal mucosal epithelium.