Antibacterial effects of Kampo products against pneumonia causative bacteria
Yukiko Akahori1,2, Yusuke Hashimoto2, Kenichi Shizuno3
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Community-acquired pneumonia is caused primarily by bacterial infection. For years, antibiotic treatment has been the standard of care for patients with bacterial pneumonia, although the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains is recognized as a global health issue. The traditional herbal medicine Kampo has a long history of clinical use and is relatively safe in treating various diseases. However, the antimicrobial effects of Kampo products against pneumonia-causative bacteria remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the bacteriological efficacy of 11 Kampo products against bacteria commonly associated with pneumonia. Sho-saiko-To (9), Sho-seiryu-To (19), Chikujo-untan-To (91) and Shin'i-seihai-To (104) inhibited the growth of S. pneumoniae serotype 3, a highly virulent strain that causes severe pneumonia. Also, the growth of S. pneumoniae serotype 1, another highly virulent strain, was suppressed by treatment with Sho-saiko-To (9), Chikujo-untan-To (91), and Shin'i-seihai-To (104). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against these strains ranged from 6.25-50 mg/mL and 12.5-25 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, Sho-saiko-To (9), Chikujo-untan-To (91), and Shin'i-seihai-To (104) suppressed the growth of antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae isolates. Additionally, Sho-saiko-To (9) and Shin'i-seihai-To (104) showed growth inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus, another causative agent for pneumonia, with MIC ranging from 6.25-12.5 mg/mL. These results suggest that some Kampo products have antimicrobial effects against S. pneumoniae and S. aureus, and that Sho-saiko-To (9) and Shin'i-seihai-To (104) are promising medicines for treating pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus infection.
Insights
Certain Kampo herbal medicines show antimicrobial activity against pneumonia-causing bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Sho-saiko-To and Shin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Medicine
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is primarily bacterial, with rising antimicrobial resistance complicating treatment.
- Antibiotics are standard for bacterial pneumonia, but resistant strains pose a global health challenge.
- Kampo, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is recognized for safety and efficacy in various conditions, yet its antimicrobial properties against pneumonia pathogens are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the bacteriological efficacy of eleven Kampo products against key bacteria responsible for pneumonia.
- To identify specific Kampo formulations with potent antimicrobial activity against virulent and antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of 11 Kampo products against clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for effective Kampo formulations.
- Assessment of efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae.
Main Results:
- Four Kampo products (Sho-saiko-To, Sho-seiryu-To, Chikujo-untan-To, Shin'i-seihai-To) inhibited growth of virulent S. pneumoniae serotypes 3 and 1.
- Sho-saiko-To, Chikujo-untan-To, and Shin'i-seihai-To demonstrated efficacy against antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae.
- Sho-saiko-To and Shin'i-seihai-To exhibited growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- Specific Kampo products possess significant antimicrobial effects against S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.
- Sho-saiko-To and Shin'i-seihai-To show promise as potential therapeutic agents for pneumonia caused by these bacteria.
- Further research into Kampo's role in combating bacterial pneumonia, especially with rising antimicrobial resistance, is warranted.
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