Kampo Medicine for Various Aging-Related Symptoms: A Review of Geriatric Syndrome

Abstract

With the continued growth of the aging population in Japan, geriatric syndrome (GS), which is associated with aging-related symptoms, has become a social problem. GS is caused by physiological and pathological aging and may manifest various symptoms. Physicians use multidisciplinary approaches to provide treatment for individual GS symptoms. Kampo medicine, a Japanese traditional medicine that uses multiple pharmacologically active substances, is useful for many syndromes, conditions, disorders, and diseases associated with GS. Evidence of the effectiveness of Kampo medicine for GS has accumulated in recent years. The effects of Kampo treatment for symptoms related to functional decline of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems, cognitive impairment and related disorders, pain and other sensory issues, among others, support the use of Kampo medicine for the management of GS. The role of Kampo medicine for GS is summarized in this review.

Prevention and Recovery of COVID-19 Patients With Kampo Medicine: Review of Case Reports and Ongoing Clinical Trials

“…The contribution and prospects of the present projects on Kampo medicine and its efficacy as a COVID-19 treatment are as follows: • Kampo medicine may act on viruses, human tissues, and organs via multiple mechanisms that differ from those of other drugs being developed in Western medicine ( Arita et al, 2020 ; Takayama et al, 2020b ). • Kampo medicines for common cold are well established; their possible side effects are generally known and safety information has already been acquired ( AuthorAnonymous, 2005 ; Kubo et al, 2013 ; Shimamoto et al, 2014 ; Takayama et al, 2017 ; Arai et al, 2018 ; Takayama et al, 2018 ; Takayama et al, 2020d ). • Kampo medicines are inexpensive, and if the clinical studies show their efficacy, it would be possible to provide care to many health care workers and patients, thus reducing medical expenses and providing medical economic benefits ( Arita et al, 2015 ).…”

“…• Kampo medicines for common cold are well established; their possible side effects are generally known and safety information has already been acquired ( AuthorAnonymous, 2005 ; Kubo et al, 2013 ; Shimamoto et al, 2014 ; Takayama et al, 2017 ; Arai et al, 2018 ; Takayama et al, 2018 ; Takayama et al, 2020d ).…”

“…• Kampo medicine may act on viruses, human tissues, and organs via multiple mechanisms that differ from those of other drugs being developed in Western medicine (Arita et al, 2020;Takayama et al, 2020b). • Kampo medicines for common cold are well established; their possible side effects are generally known and safety information has already been acquired (AuthorAnonymous, 2005;Kubo et al, 2013;Shimamoto et al, 2014;Arai et al, 2018;Takayama et al, 2018;Takayama et al, 2020d).…”

Bukuryoingohangekobokuto may improve recurrent aspiration pneumonia in patients with brain damage and reduce the caregiver burden

“…[ 5 ] HKT reduced pneumonia risk in older adults with dementia and it is recommended secondary prevention of aspiration pneumonia in clinical practice guidelines. [ 6 7 8 9 10 ] On the other hand, bukuryoin improves gastric emptying. BRIHK can inhibit corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, dopamine receptors D2 and D3, neuropeptide Y receptor type 2, and acetylcholinesterase, which synergistically improve gastric emptying.…”

A Japanese traditional medicine Hochuekkito promotes negative conversion of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci

“…Conversely, traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicines, which originate from ancient China, are used for the treatment of various diseases and conditions 7 – 9 . Kampo medicines generally consist of several crude drugs and include various bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoid saponins, and lactones.…”