The authors report an interesting case of idiopathic taste disorder that was successfully treated with the Kampo formula Saikokeishi-to. A 45-year-old male went to a local hospital for an examination when he became awate of a decrease in his ability to taste. His serum zinc levels were within the normal range. Examination by the otorhinolaryngologist did not reveal any abnormalities other than the taste disorder. Zinc sulfate and mecobalamin were administered for three months with no improvement in his ability to taste.
The patient came to the authors' department in March 1995. Upon examination it was determined that he was of the Intermediate Sho according to Kampo diagnosis. The Kampo classic, the ‘Shokanron’ (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders), recommends Saikokeishi-to in cases of taste abnormalities. He began to show improvement in his ability to taste during the 3rd week of administration of this formula (7.5g/day). By the 12th week he had recovered his sense of taste.
It is thought that Kampo therapy restores the sense of taste indirectly by improving the overall condition of the health. This report and past reports suggest the potential for broader application of Kampo formulas containing Saiko in the treatment of idiopathic taste disorders.