The Effects of Toki-Shyakuyaku-San on Alzheimer's Disease.
10.3937/kampomed.47.861
- VernacularTitle:アルツハイマー病に対する当帰しゃく薬散の効果
- Author:
Hideaki HARADA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Tokishahuyaku-san;
Alzheimer's disease
- From:Kampo Medicine
1997;47(5):861-867
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
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Abstract:
Tokishakuyaku-san has traditionally been used for the treatment of symptoms associated with gynecological diseases. It has recently been suggested, however, that this Kampo formula may also be useful in the treatment of senile demetia. The author experienced five cases of Alzheimer's disease which responded to Tokishakuyaku-san. They were diagnosed by clinical features, neuropsychiatric examinations, CT, MRI and SPECT. Tokishakuyaku-san was administered for at least twelve months. Some cases showed improvement in the dementia scale. Wandering, hyperactivity, and loss of will were reduced in some patients. Tokishakuyaku-san seems to decrease the progression of the disease course.
Various studies have suggested that senile dementia is associated with disruption of the cholinergic system of the brain. Studies involving rats have shown that Tokishakuyaku-san reduces the cognitive disruption caused by central cholinergic dysfunction, and increases the number of nicotinic receptors and the concentration of noradrenaline in the cerebral cortex. Thus, Tokishakuyaku-san may reduce central cholinergic dysfuntion by facilitating brain cholinergic and/or noradrenergic function. It may therefore prove to be a useful therapy for senile dementia.
