Perspectives on the Use of Ninjin’yoeito in Modern Medicine: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background. Ninjin’yoeito (NYT), a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine that originates from China, has been used to treat qi and blood deficiency based on its original concept. Kampo medicine has been widely used to treat many conditions and disorders combined with western medicine or Kampo medicine alone in modern situation. Aims. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of NYT and discussed various standpoints regarding its use in modern situation. Methods. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment (EKAT) for articles written in English, and Ichushi, J-Stage, and EKAT for those written in Japanese. Articles published before January 1, 2019, were retrieved using the keywords “ninjinyoeito” and “ninjin’yoeito,” and RCTs were selected from these extracted articles. Result. Of 734 articles, 13 were RCTs, 46 were non-RCTs or studies of other designs, 15 were case reports, and 36 were experimental studies using NYT. NYT was evaluated for its use as a treatment for cancer and related conditions, refractory blood diseases and conditions, and otorhinolaryngologic symptom in 13 RCTs. Based on the use of Kampo medicine in modern situation called as Yasui’s classification, 10 of 13 RCTs were categorized as “the side effects of Western medicinal treatment are mitigated when combined with Kampo treatment” and the remaining 3 were categorized as “treatment effect of Kampo medicine is increased in combination with standard Western medicinal treatment.” Conclusion. Several studies demonstrated the efficacy of NYT in refractory diseases and other conditions, and the accompanied side effects of treatment with western medicine.

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

“…Previous studies have indicated that HET has anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa, promotes recovery of the immune system, and increases appetite 16 . JTT and NYT also have similar effects 17 . HET, JTT, and NYT contain common crude drugs: The Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP), Astragalus Root, JP Ginseng, JP Japanese Angelica Root, JP Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome, and JP Glycyrrhiza (Table 4 ).…”

“…HET, JTT, and NYT contain common crude drugs: The Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP), Astragalus Root, JP Ginseng, JP Japanese Angelica Root, JP Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome, and JP Glycyrrhiza (Table 4 ). Combinations of these drugs may be key for cytokine regulation, activation of innate immunity, and healing in compromised patients 16 , 17 . Therefore, we can conclude that Kampo medicines can combat VRE colonization in immunocompromised patients through multiple mechanisms.…”

Treatment of COVID-19-Related Olfactory Disorder Promoted by Kakkontokasenkyushin’i: A Case Series

“…The World Health Organization published the eleventh revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems in 2019, and traditional medicine was featured for the first time as a traditional medicine module (Lam et al 2019). Traditional medicine, including Japanese Kampo medicine, has been used in combination with western medicine for many intractable diseases and conditions (Kikuchi et al 2017;Takayama et al , 2019Ohsawa et al 2021;Shimizu et al 2021;Suzuki et al 2021), and it may be widely The SARS-CoV-2 infects the superior turbinate and then invades the olfactory bulb and nerve, causing inflammation in the infected area. KTSS has antiviral effects, anti-inflammatory effects, provides nerve protection, and improves congestion and edema in the local infected area.…”

Case Report: Nutritional Examination of Weight Loss Treatment Using Kampo

“…Ninjin'yoeito, Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo), is indicated for the treatment of loss of appetite and has been used since ancient times to improve nutritional status. In recent years, it has also been applied to treat frailty because of its multifaceted effects ( 3 ), and there have been numerous reports showing improvements in musculoskeletal strength and mass in addition to reversal of appetite loss, but none yet for muscle mass.…”