Herbal Medicines for Neuropsychiatric Diseases

Current Developments and Research

Shigenobu Kanba, Elliot Richelson, Shigenobu Kanba, Elliot Richelson

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN:
  9780876308042
• eBook ISBN:
  9781135063122
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Psychiatry & Mental Health

Published in 1999, Herbal Medicines for Neuropsychiatric Diseases is a valuable contribution to the field of Psychiatry/Clinical Psychology.

1

Use of Herbal Medicine for Treating Psychiatric Disorders in Japan

Shigenobu Kanba, Kazuo Yamada, Hiroko Mizushima, Takaaki Murata, and Masahiro Asai

Although Western pharmacotherapy is now the major medical modality in Japan, traditional remedies are still being offered. Research into traditional treatments continues, and a number of studies have described the basic pharmacology and clinical efficacy of Oriental herbal medicine (Kampo medicine) in Japan.

After being advised of the advantages, as well as the potentially adverse effects, of both herbal and pharmaceutical treatments, patients may choose the approach they prefer. Many patients recognize the limits of the current medical technology and seek more individualized treatments. According to Kampo medicine, health can be preserved by maintaining a prudent lifestyle, eating proper food, and utilizing natural medicines.

INTRODUCTION

As a result of Japan's gradual acceptance of the role of Kampo medicine, the Ministry of Health and Welfare now includes such prescriptions in the country's National Health Insurance Plan. About 120 different formulations, which are extracted from combinations of herbs, are available. They also can be prepared in the form of powder.

In a 1993 survey of 2000 physicians by the Japan Medical Association (Fig. 1), 77% reported using Kampo, as compared with only 28% in 1979. Common diseases for which Kampo is prescribed include hepatitis and liver disease, upper respiratory infections, menopausal syndrome, psychosomatic disorders, allergic rhinitis, constipation, asthma, gastritis, lumbago, and eczema.

About 30 different pharmaceutical companies produce Kampo formulations

Figure 1. Percentage of Japanese physicians who use Kampo. A survey of 2000 physicians by the Japan Medical Association in 1993 revealed that about 77% use Kampo, as compared with the 28% reported in 1979.

that are registered by the government. Global sales in 1993 totaled about 1400 billion yen ($14 billion U.S.).

HISTORY OF KAMPO MEDICINE

Ancient Chinese medicine traveled to Japan via Korea. It is based on an Oriental philosophy, the yin-yan of taoism. In the year 984, Yasuyori Tamba compiled the Ishinho, a vast compendium of Chinese medicine. Later, in the 16th to 18th centuries, three schools of Kampo medicine were established.

The Gosei-ha, the first independent school of medicine in Japan, was established when Dosan Manase assembled the various elements of medical theory that had been imported from China since the Sung dynasty. The Koho-ha school arose in reaction to the overly theoretical methodology of the Gosei-ha, and turned back to the ancient medicine of China. Then came the Setchu-ha, or compromise, school, which mixed both schools of thought.

Until about 120 years ago, Kampo was the official medicine of Japan. Then, strongly influenced by Western culture and civilization, the government decided that Japanese doctors should practice Western medicine and that it should be taught in medical schools. By the end of World War II, the use of Kampo had virtually disappeared.

In recent decades, however, Kampo medicine has again become popular. Patients, as well as physicians, have reconsidered the value of its holistic and humane aspects. Kampo medicine is recognized for its efficacy and safety; moreover, the cost of such treatment may be covered by medical insurance.

BASICS OF KAMPO MEDICINE

General Concept

The fundamental philosophy of Kampo treatment is the enhancement of the natural healing power. Herbs are believed to affect both the psyche and the soma, and Kampo medicine does not differentiate between them. The treatment not only aims at improving or maintaining physical health, but it also takes into account the patient's psychic and mental balance. Futhermore, the human being is regarded as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm.

The improvement induced by herbal medicine is usually mild and slow, but it can be dramatic. Side effects are rare, and those that do occur are mostly allergic reactions to natural substances. When herbs are combined with interferon to treat chronic hepatitis, there is an increased risk of interstitial pneumonitis.

The specific prescription is traditionally selected by judging the Sho of a patient. Sho is equivalent to a syndrome, but it comprises psychic and somatic symptoms and signs obtained by a traditional physical examination that focuses on the patient's constitution, general physical condition, pulse, and abdominal signs, and includes an examination of the tongue. A modern diagnosis is also utilized when a prescription is formulated, because most physicians are not trained to determine Sho correctly.

Ki-Ketsu-Sui Theory

The Kampo concept that is most relevant when treating psychiatric problems is Ki-Ketsu-Sui theory. Unhealthy conditions are thought to be caused by the impairment of one, or a combination, of three factors (Terasawa, 1993).

The first factor is Ki (Chi in Chinese, Prana in Aryuveda, Vis Vitalis in the traditional European medical system). Ki is the basic, all-penetrating, maintaining force or energy, the elemental energy that is the source of all other forms of energy. It is also thought to be the source of nourishment and stimulation for the circulation of body fluids. In addition, Ki is responsible for protecting the organism against external and internal noxious forces by circulating as yang-A7 in the outer layers of the body.

Disturbances of Ki are classified as Ki deficiency, Ki stasis, or an imbalance of Ki distribution. In Kampo medicine, depression is considered a Ki deficiency or Ki stasis. For Ki deficiency, Ninjin-to or Keisi-to is typically indicated. For Ki stasis, Koso-san and Hange-koboku-to are indicated.

Another basic component is Ketsu, which is equivalent to blood. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Ketsu refers to the red-stained fluid of the organism. A disturbance of Ketsu is classified as either a deficiency or a stasis.

Some symptoms caused by a deficiency of Ketsu appear in psychiatric disorders. Shimotsa-to, Kyuki-kyogia-to, or Kami-kihi-to is used to treat this condition.

The third component is Sui, body fluid. Statis of Sui includes such conditions as palpitations, vertigo, motion sickness, tinnitus, headache, thirst, nausea, emesis, swollen joints in the morning, and a feeling of heaviness in the body.

When a patient, who will often have psychiatric problems, presents with these symptoms, Ryokei-jutsukan-to or Hange-byakujutsu-tenma-to is indicated.

Ketsuo stasis is often seen in psychiatric patients, especially those who take psychotropic medications. Teito-to, Tokaku-shoki-to, and Kami-shoyo-san are used to correct these disturbances.

HERBAL MEDICINE FOR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Animal Studies

A variety of plants are believed to exert central effects. Some plants have been demonstrated to have neuropsychopharmacologic effects.

Ninjin (Ginseng) Ginseng has been used in ethnopharmacology for more than 300 years. More than 28 kinds of ginsenosides and other active compounds have been isolated, and some have been shown to have biologic effects (Liu & Xiao, 1992).

Ginseng root saponin (GRS) has antistress effects. GRS, 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally, has been s...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Full Title
• Copyright
• CONTENTS
• Contributors
• Introduction
• HERBAL MEDICINES FOR NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASES
• 1. Use of Herbal Medicine for Treating Psychiatric Disorders in Japan
• 2. Pharmacologic Studies of Himbacine and Huperzine A: Potential Use in Cholinergic Replacement Therapy
• 3. Neuropharmacologc Activity of Constituents Isolated from Chinese Medicinal Plants
• 4. A Double-Blind Control Study of Huperzine A and Piracetam in Patients with Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Dementias
• 5. Medicinal Plants: A Potential Source of New Psychotherapeutic Drugs
• 6. Indian Medicinal Plants as a Source of CNS Active Drugs
• 7. Ginkgo Preparations: Biochemical, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Perspectives
• 8. The Herbal Preparations Kangenkaryu and Shen Yun Wan Reduce Brain Oxidative Stress
• 9. Effect of Herbal Medicine on Learning Disturbances in Senescence-Accelerated Mice
• Subject Index