Usefulness of a Kampo Medicine on Stress‐Induced Delayed Gastric Emptying in Mice

Abstract

Anxiety and depression often occur with gastrointestinal symptoms. Although the Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine) bukuryoingohangekobokuto (BGH) is approved for treating anxiety, neurotic gastritis, and heartburn, its effect on gastrointestinal motility remains poorly known. This study aimed to examine the effect of BGH on delayed gastric emptying in stress model mice and clarified its action mechanism. Seven-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were acclimated for a week and fasted overnight. Stress hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), was intracerebroventricularly injected to mice, and solid nutrient meal (ground chow and distilled water) was orally administered 1 hour after. Gastric contents were collected to evaluate gastric emptying rates by measuring its dry weight. Injection of CRF (0.3 or 1.0 μg/mouse) significantly delayed the 2-hour gastric emptying in mice. BGH (1.0 g/kg), which was administered 30 minutes before the CRF injection, significantly ameliorated the delayed gastric emptying induced by CRF (0.3 μg/mouse). BGH (0.5, 1.0 g/kg) significantly enhanced the 1-hour gastric emptying and slightly increased the 2-hour gastric emptying in mice without CRF injection. In vitro functional assays showed that components of BGH antagonized or inhibited CRF type-2, dopamine D2/D3, neuropeptide Y Y2 receptors, or acetylcholinesterase. In conclusion, the components of BGH may exert synergistic effects on improving gastric emptying via various targets. BGH is considered to be potentially useful for treating gastrointestinal dysmotility with psychological symptoms.

Atractylodes lancea rhizome derived exosome-like nanoparticles prevent alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells

“…In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of ELNs isolated from the rhizome of A. lancea on melanin production. This plant is a perennial herb that is widely distributed in East Asia, and it has long been used to treat digestive disorders and is also a well-known crude drug used in traditional Japanese Kampo medicines [ [27] , [28] , [29] ]. Although most plant derived ELNs have been isolated from fresh products [ 12 ], they can also be extracted from dried products [ 30 ].…”

Case Report: Prolonged Anorexia With Nausea Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Malignant Melanoma Treated Using Kampo Medicines Bukuryoingohangekobokuto and Ninjin’yoeito

“…Further, 7.5 g of TJ-116 BRGHT includes the crude drugs shown in Tables 1 , 2 (STORK, http://mpdb.nibiohn.go.jp/stork/ ). We previously reported that BRGHT could inhibit corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, dopamine receptors D2 and D3, neuropeptide Y receptor type 2, and acetylcholinesterase, which synergistically improves gastric emptying ( Mogami et al, 2020 ). BRGHT administration also reduces the frequency of aspiration pneumonia in patients with brain damage ( Takayama et al, 2021 ).…”

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

“…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. [ 11 ] Recently, an exploratory study of the clinical effectiveness and safety of BRIHK has been in progress. [ 12 ] In conclusion, BRIHK can reduce the frequency of aspiration pneumonia by reducing dysphagia, cough reflex, and gastroesophageal reflux associated with brain damage.…”