The Effectiveness of Shimotsuto Extract for Patients with Muscle Cramp
10.3937/kampomed.66.244
- VernacularTitle:こむら返りに対する四物湯エキスの有用性
- Author:
Takashi ITO
;
Yoko KIMURA
;
Shizuka OTA
;
Shohaku YAMAMOTO
;
Norio SUDA
;
Kazuhiro NAKAZAWA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
pseudoaldosteronism;
blood deficiency;
muscle cramp;
shimotsuto;
Paeoniae Radix
- From:Kampo Medicine
2015;66(3):244-249
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
The effectiveness of the Kampo medicine shakuyakukanzoto extract for patients with muscle cramp is well known, but recently side effects related to pseudoaldosteronism have also been reported. To avoid this issue, Kampo medicines without Glycyrrhizae Radix are needed for treatment of muscle cramp. We investigated the therapeutic effect of shimotsuto extract, which has traditionally been used to treat anemia, in 26 patients (mean age : 70.7 ± 12.1 years) with muscle cramp. Improvement of the symptom was noted in 18 patients (69%), with no change in 8 patients (31%). The abdominal muscle tension of the former patients was significantly lower than the latter. Here, the cases of four representative patients in whom muscle cramp was improved by shimotsuto are described. The response rate to shimotsuto was similar to that of shakuyakukanzoto. Our results suggest that shimotsuto extract is a suitable alternative to shakuyakukanzoto for treatment of muscle cramp in older non-robust type patients not in need of emergency care.
