Reconsideration of Japanese Traditional Herbal Medicine: New Field of Research and Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Japanese traditional herbal medicine, which is known as "Kampo", has received increasing attention as an alternative approach to the treatment of various diseases. In order to safely and effectively apply Kampo, it is essential to understand oriental diagnostics. Herein, an outline of such diagnostics is introduced, and current trends in Kampo research are reviewed.

Yokukan-san: a review of the evidence for use of this Kampo herbal formula in dementia and psychiatric conditions

“…It was introduced to Japan in the middle of the sixth century and has evolved over the past 1,400 years 21,22. While it retains some similarities to TCM, Kampo has evolved independently in Japan, resulting in a system of medicine that has many differences from TCM 22–24.…”

“…After its introduction from China, Kampo was combined with Japan’s original folk remedies and was modified by the introduction of formulas and herbs that had not been used in TCM 25. Kampo medicine was the main medical treatment in Japan until Western medicine was introduced from Europe several hundred years ago 21–24…”

“…Although some Kampo herbal formulas are based on classical TCM formulas, the Kampo formulas have been standardized in Japan and use fixed combinations of herbs 21,22,24. Kampo herbal formulas are regulated in the same manner as pharmaceutical preparations, and are approved and manufactured with standards that are equivalent to those of conventional pharmaceutical medicines.…”

“…The result of this emphasis on standardization is that while a single Kampo herbal formula might be produced by various different manufacturers, it will be subject to the same quality control standards. This high degree of quality and standardization does not necessarily apply if the formula is made outside of Japan 21,22,24…”

Treatment of Dementia-related Symptoms with Japanese Traditional Medicine (Kampo): A Review of Clinical Studies

“…In addition, the composition and amount of each herb are fixed in each granule-type Kampo formula (Tables 1-3). Quality control procedures for the herbs used in Kampo have been also established, and the safety and reliability of Kampo have been validated through the strict monitoring of side effects under the control of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, in the same way as modern conventional medicines are validated [1][2][3][4]. Therefore, as far as medical doctors use these granule-type formulas, they can share exactly the same quality and effectiveness which are confirmed by modern scientific methods.…”