Comparing the Effects of Kamikihito in Japan and Kami-Guibi-Tang in Korea on Memory Enhancement: Working Towards the Development of a Global Study

Abstract

Traditional medicine is widely used in East Asia, and studies that demonstrate its usefulness have recently become more common. However, formulation-based studies are not globally understood because these studies are country-specific. There are many types of formulations that have been introduced to Japan and Korea from China. Establishing whether a same-origin formulation has equivalent effects in other countries is important for the development of studies that span multiple countries. The present study compared the effects of same-origin traditional medicine used in Japan and Korea in an in vivo experiment. We prepared drugs that had the same origin and the same components. The drugs are called kamikihito (KKT) in Japan and kami-guibi-tang (KGT) in Korea. KKT (500 mg extract/kg/day) and KGT (500 mg extract/kg/day) were administered to ddY mice, and object recognition and location memory tests were performed. KKT and KGT administration yielded equivalent normal memory enhancement effects. 3D-HPLC showed similar, but not identical, patterns of the detected compounds between KKT and KGT. This comparative research approach enables future global clinical studies of traditional medicine to be conducted through the use of the formulations prescribed in each country.

The Seed of <i>Zizyphus jujuba</i> var. <i>spinosa</i> Attenuates Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Hippocampal Synaptic Deficits through BDNF/TrkB Signaling

“…Moreover, it has also been used for amnesia in prescriptions. [13][14][15] Recent studies have revealed that the ethanol extract of EZJ and its constituents produce hypnotic effects through the modulation of neurotransmitter systems including serotonergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic systems. [16][17][18][19][20] Further, numerous brain pathology models have indicated memory-enhancing effects of EZJ.…”

Expression of oxytocin in hypothalamus and reduction of nociceptive stress following administration of Kamikihi-to in female rats

“…Several studies have reported that KKT improves brain function and action in the central nervous system. KKT influences memory enhancement ( Watari et al, 2015 ) and ameliorates the impairment of spatial memory. Moreover, the possibility of using KKT to treat memory deficits has been suggested ( Egashira et al, 2007 ).…”

Effect of kamikihito on platelet count: Retrospective pilot study

“…It is described in Xue‐shi yi‐an , a medical book written in China in the 16th century. KKT has long been used in Japan for palpitations, amnesia, insomnia, loss of appetite, and depression . The indications for KKT in kampo medicine are the dual deficiency of qi and blood and a slight qi counterflow.…”

“…Kamikihito ( Jia‐Wei‐Gui‐Pi‐Tang ; KKT) is a kampo extract formulation containing 14 crude drugs: Ginseng Radix, Atractyloides Rhizoma, Poria, Bupleuri Radix, Zizyphi Semen, Longan Arillus, Astragali Radix, Angelicae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Polygalae Radix, Zizyphi Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Sanssureae Radix, and Zingiberis Rhizoma. KKT is known for its effectiveness in treating insomnia, loss of appetite, and depression . It is also widely used for the management of blood disorders and is effective against idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and bone marrow suppression by chemotherapy .…”