Efficacy of Keishibukuryogan, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, in Treating Cold Sensation and Numbness After Stroke: Clinical Improvement and Skin Temperature Normalization in 22 Stroke Patients

Abstract

Cold sensation and numbness have been reported as post-stroke sensory sequelae attributable to distal axonopathy, which is caused by chronic ischemia of diseased limbs resulting from dysfunction of vasomotor regulatory systems. Keishibukuryogan is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat symptoms of peripheral ischemia such as cold extremities. This study investigated clinical improvement and skin temperature in peripheral ischemia patients to determine the efficacy of keishibukuryogan in alleviating post-stroke cold sensation and numbness. Twenty-two stroke patients with cold sensation and/or numbness were enrolled in this study. Subjective cold sensation and numbness, evaluated using the visual analogue scale, were found in 21 and 31 limbs, respectively. The skin temperature of diseased and healthy limbs was recorded. We observed all patients for 4 weeks and 17 patients for 8 weeks after administration of keishibukuryogan. The skin temperature of diseased limbs was significantly higher than baseline at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, whereas that of healthy limbs did not change significantly. Cold sensation and numbness were significantly improved at 4 weeks and 8 weeks compared to baseline. Keishibukuryogan administration resulted in warming of diseased limbs and improved cold sensation and numbness, probably by increasing peripheral blood flow.

The Traditional Japanese Formula Keishibukuryogan Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Cytokines by Dermal Endothelial Cells

“…Moreover, Matsumoto et al have explored a proteomic approach for the diagnosis of blood stasis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with KBG [5]. In addition, KBG is used to treat symptoms of peripheral ischemia such as cold extremities [6]. Furthermore, we recently reported that KBG is effective in patients with chronic pigmented purpura, a group of skin vascular disorders of unknown etiology [7].…”

Examination of Clinical Efficacy of Keishibukuryogan on Non-Specific Complaints Associated with Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremity

“…On the other hand, Koike, et al 8) concluded that keishibukuryogan was not effective for relieving the subcutaneous hematoma after stripping. The studies on the effect of keishibukuryogan for sensory disturbance include that on arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremities reported by Yokokawa, et al 9) and that in patients with cerebral stroke reported by Fujita, et al 10) The authors of the both studies estimated that keishibukuryogan with its effects to promote blood fluidity and peripheral blood flow contributed to the alleviation of the subjective symptoms of the patients by improving coldness and numbness. Various effects of keishibukuryogan have so far been reported: decrease in blood viscosity, 11) dilation of arteries, 11) inhibition of platelet aggregation, 12,13) and promotion of erythrocyte deformability 14) in the field of basic pharmacology, and increase in blood flow rate, 15) decrease in blood viscosity, [15][16][17] inhibition of platelet aggregation, 17) inhibition of erythrocyte aggregation, 15) promotion of erythrocyte deformability, 18) and decrease in hematocrit level 15) in the field of clinical pharmacology.…”

Efficacy of Kampo Medicine in Treating Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview

“…Matsumoto et al explored the use of a proteomic approach for diagnosing blood stasis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with Keishibukuryogan [11]. In addition, Keishibukuryogan is used to treat symptoms of peripheral ischemia, such as cold extremities [12]. Keishibukuryogan is now one of the most frequently used traditional medicines in Japan and has been used clinically to treat various diseases, including skin diseases.…”