| Theme |
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders Using Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine : Present Status and Future Prospects |
| Title |
Kampo Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases |
| Author |
Jun Kato |
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University |
| Author |
Masao Ichinose |
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
Because there is no definite evidence suggesting the efficacy of Kampo therapy on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Kampo medicines for IBD patients are primarily prescribed as a form of complementary therapy. However, according to case studies, Daikenchuto treatment for Crohnʼs disease and Saireito treatment for ulcerative colitis may be effective. In particular, Daikenchuto has been shown to be effective for postsurgical subileus in Crohnʼs disease patients as well as in those without IBD. To establish the evidence of those agents for IBD is an urgent problem. In addition, it has been reported that part of ulcerative colitis patients for whom adequate control can not be achieved with currently available Western medicines improved with a kind of unapproved Kampo medicines. The safety, efficacy, and active elements of such Kampo medicines must be established. |