We have recently seen an increasing number of patients with osteoporosis of the type that occurs as a chronic illness in the elderly, and particularly in elderly female patients. It is important not only to treat pain but to follow-up with treatments to prevent further bone mass loss. To measure bone mass in patients with osteoporosis, we employed Digital Imaging Processing (DIP). In this study, the authors examined changes in the bone mass of patients in long-term therapy with Keishi-ka-Jutsubu-to and Gosha-Jinki-Gan. As a comparative-control group, or non-treatment group, we selected 11 patients who had been diagnosed as having osteporosis in an outpatient clinic, and whose bone mass had been measured with DIP. These patients discontinued treatment, but returned to the outpatient clinic six months to one year later. The average duration of non-treatment in the control group was 9.8 months. Metacarpal index (MCI) and metacarpal bone mineral density (m-BMD) at the first visit were 0.40±0.07 and 2.22±0.38, but 10 months later they were 0.36±0.05 and 1.97±0.38, which represents a significant decrease.
In 20 cases given Keishi-ka-Jutsubu-to, the initial bone mass data were: MCI, 0.39±0.08; m-BMD, 2.07±0.32. Measurements performed after three, six, and nine months of treatment showed no difference or increase from the initial values.
In 12 cases given Gosha-Jinki-Gan, the initial data were: MCI, 0.40±0.07; m-BMD, 2.06±0.27. Measurements performed after three, six and nine months of treatment showed no difference from the initial values.
The severity of pain was equally reduced by treatment with Kampo formulation or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by four weeks, but after eight weeks low back pain in patients treated with the Kampo formulation was significantly reduced compared with low back pain in the group treated with NSAIDs.

Objective: To show the preventive effect of Brazilian propolis on metabolic syndrome.Methods: Nine Brazilian propolis were examined for inhibition ofα-glucosidase, absorption of sugar in mice, and lipid accumulation, glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and adiponection production in mouse 3T3-L1 cells.Results: In nine Brazilian propolis, AF-06, AF-19, and AFG-06 propolis inhibited rat internal α-glucosidase, and AF-06 propolis inhibited the absorption of sugar in mice. In 3T3-L1 cells, AF-06 and AF-08 propolis inhibited accumulation lipid, and inhibited glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.Conclusion: Brazilian propolis AF-06 and AF-08 are natural products which offer promise in the prevention of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Incorporating dietary supplements into a treatment plan with medicines with similar effects requires further study.