Mongolian Medicine and Japanese Kampo Medicine Synergistic Effect of the Com Bination of Natural Crude Drugs, Including Traditional
- VernacularTitle:Mongolian Medicine and Japanese Kampo Medicine Synergistic Effect of the Com Bination of Natural Crude Drugs, Including Traditional
- Author:
Toshihiro MURATA
- Publication Type:Journal article
- From:
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology
2016;8(1):89-89
- CountryMongolia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Traditional medicines based on natural raw materials such as plants, animals , and minerals have been used to treat various diseases in most countries worldwide and especially in East Asia. Traditional Mongolian medicine, which is thought to be derived from Tibetan traditional medicine and its theories, has developed into its current forms. Similarly, Kampo medicine (traditional Japanese medicine), the theories for which come from traditional Chinese medicine, is the source of many popular and accessible drugs in Japan.
These two traditional medicines have in many aspects in common, but there also are a few notable differences.
In Mongolia, traditional medical doctors deal with Mongolian and Tibetan herbs, together with other components. The doctor prepares the best prescription for the patient based on their individual condition. Additionally, a few temples provide traditional medicines.
On the other hand, in Kampo medicine in Japan, some pharmaceutical companies produce and sell packed Kampo formulae of crude drugs as ready-made products (Kampo products). Many medical doctors identify the patient’s disease and prescribe packed Kampo products, alongside Western medicines. Although less common, some doctors or pharmacists prepares original Kampo prescriptions to match the patient’s conditions.
Both Mongolian and Japanese medicines have many merits and are used by many people in theirrespective countries. This report reviews Kampo medicines the direction of future research on theirmechanisms of action.
Approximately 300 Kampo formulae are sold in pharmacies and drug stores. Many of them are
combinations of two or more crude drugs, and although some contain a single crude drug, these are infrequent in Kampo medicine.
The quality of each crude drug in Kampo formulae is subject to regulation. Officially, 276 crude drugs and some their formulae are listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) (16th edition, 2011). For example, “GLYCYRRHIZAE RADIX” is an important crude drug that is an element of about 70% of Kampo medicines. The JP entry for this crude drug lists: the plant sources (Glycyrrhiza uralensis and glabra), parts for medical use (root and stolon), the required amount of glycyrrhizin (one of the main constituents), methods for identification of this plant, and scientific sources for constituents, and pharmacological activities, among other details.
Some Kampo formulae are considered as evidence-based medicines. “Syoseiryuto” is a well known Kampo formula for allergy of the nose, and it has established scientific data. In addition, clinical guideline recommends using this Kampo formula for treating allergy. Syoseiryuto is a combination of 8 crude drugs, PINELLIAE TUBER, ZINGIBERIS PROCESSUM RHIZOMA, GLYCYRRHIZAE RADIX, CINNAMOMI CORTEX, SCHISANDRAE FRUCTUS, ASIASARI RADIX, PAEONIA RADIX, and EPHEDRAE HERBA.
“The combination of crude drugs” is a common element between traditional Mongolian medicine and Kampo medicine. Such a combination is expected to produce a variety of clinical effects, and these may be the key for useful pharmacological effects. Therefore, it is possible to paraphrase these facts
into synergistic effects produced by combination of two or more crude drugs.
Researchers have revealed the constituents, biological activities, pharmacological activities, and clinical
effects of each crude drug. However, the mechanisms of combination effects are rarely well understood.
It is generally too difficult to analyze the complex system of traditional medicines, including
chemical interactions, individual variations, and reactions within the body.
The difficulties in understanding of those mechanisms are producing many opportunities for future scientists.
Many different approaches will be needed in order to elucidate the synergistic effects of combinations
of natural crude drugs, and this represents the frontier for researchers dealing with traditional medicines.
