The therapeutic effects of long-term treatment with Sho-saiko-to, a traditional Chinese medicine, was evaluated in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). Twenty-nine patients with IIP without steroid therapy were divided into two groups: one for administration of Sho-saiko-to (n=9) and another for control (n=20). Clinical symptoms and results of respiratory tests over periods of 11 to 43 months were recorded. No adverse effects of Sho-saiko-to were odserved.
One patient of the Sho-saiko-to administered group improved markedly, three improved slightly and five showed no changes, though no patients in the control group improved. The two patients of improving slightly had “Sho” of “Kyokyo-Kuman” (discomfort of the hypochondrium) which is applied for Sho-saiko-to. The results suggested that Sho-saiko-to might be a useful medicine to suppress the inflammatory procees in patients with IIP.