Elucidation of action mechanism of multi-ingredient drugs, Kampo (Japanese traditional) medicines and their roles in modern-day medicine

Kampo medicines play a very important role in modern-day medicine of Japan, and 148 standardized Kampo extract formulations for prescription have been developed as a granule form, and covered by national health insurance. Under this situation, now 80% of practicing physicians are prescribing the Kampo medicines for the treatment depending on patient's clinical situation, either separately or to complement modern western medicines. Because Kampo medicines are composed of several crude drugs as the formulation, their numerous ingredients may attack multiple target sites to relieve the symptoms caused by disturbance of whole body system. The present paper describes unique action mechanisms of Kampo medicines on immune and neural systems. Shoseiryuto (SST) ameliorated airway infectious disease and airway inflammation in the disease model mice, and mucosal adjuvant activity appeared by synergic effect of the constituents. Kamiuntanto (KUT) improved memory and learning due to cholinergic deficits in aged and lesioned rats and cognitive function on Alzheimer's disease patients. These data may contribute for more evidence-based clinical application, and another drug development based on traditional concept.