Clinical Usefulness of Hochuekkito in Patients with COPD
10.3937/kampomed.62.329
- VernacularTitle:COPDにおける補中益気湯の臨床的有用性
- Author:
Koichiro TATSUMI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COPD;
systemic inflammation;
nutrition;
exacerbation
- From:Kampo Medicine
2011;62(3):329-336
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic pulmonary inflammatory process, and the chief complaint is aggravating dyspnea. COPD itself also has significant extrapulmonary (systemic) effects that lead to comorbid conditions. Weight loss, nutritional abnormalities and skeletal muscle dysfunction are well-recognized extrapulmonary effects of COPD. The impact of the systemic manifestations of COPD on the prediction of mortality using a multidimensional index has been reported. Although not much is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of the systemic inflammation, any new therapeutic strategy would have to improve this chronic inflammatory process. The principal goals of the treatment for COPD are to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and increase physical and emotional participation in everyday activities. Exercise de-conditioning, relative social isolation, altered mood states (especially depression), muscle wasting, and weight loss have complex interrelationships, and improvement in any one of these interlinked processes can interrupt the vicious circle in COPD. Some Japanese traditional herbal medicines have been used to improve the physical and mental conditions of patients suffering from various diseases. Among them, hochuekkito is known as a drug for recovery from immune dysfunctions that has been reported useful in protecting infection. Hochuekkito may improve systemic inflammation as well as nutritional status in moderate to severe COPD, although the mechanisms of hochuekkito have not been defined. In addition, the incidences of common cold and its exacerbation can be decreased with administration of hochuekkito, suggesting that hochuekkito may have some biodefensive effect against viruses or bacterias.
