Project 1
Research on the effect to gastrointestinal function by Kampo medicines

Abdominal bloating is one of the most bothersome symptoms experienced by patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). We investigated the Kampo medicine, Hangekobokuto (HKT) for patients with FD from the standpoint of bowel gas retention, and elucidated that HKT improves abdominal bloating accompanied by the reduction of bowel gas in FD patients.

Project 2
Research on Kampo medicines that affect the central nervous system

l-Perillaldehyde is a major component in the essential oil containing in Perillae Herba, one of the component herbs in certain Kampo medicines used for the improvement of depressive mood. We analyzed the inhaled effect of l-perillaldehyde on stress-induced depression-like model mice, and demonstrated that the inhalation of l-perillaldehyde shows antidepressant-like activity through the olfactory nervous function.

Project 3
Research on prevention of cancer metastasis by Kampo medicines

We found that Maoto, Kampo medicine, suppress the liver-metastasis of FBJ-LL cells. The expression pattern of cytokines in the serum from the tumor-bearing mice given maoto showed suppression of the activation of matrix metalloproteinases involved in metastatic processes. These results suggest that maoto is a candidate for a novel inhibitor of metastasis.

Project 4
Research on evaluation of safety of Kampo medicines frequently used for menopausal symptoms

In Japan, Kampo medicines are used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. We analyzed both the agonistic and antagonistic actions of Kampo medicines on estrogen receptors (ER), and found for the first time that Kampo medicines act directly on ERa or ERb as either agonists or antagonists.

Project 5
Thermo-physiological analysis of the subjects with hypersensitivity to the cold

Cold exposure of the lower extremities induces cooling of a lower abdomen, and sometimes develops into dysmenorrhea and recurrent cystitis. To investigate the cooling mechanism in a pelvis, we examined the influence of core and skin temperature from various parts of the body to a pelvic region using urine temperature. And in another study, we showed the efficacy of Kampo formulas, especially shigyakuto and tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto for the subjects with hypersensitivity to the cold.

Project 6
Analysis on the effect to gene expression patterns by Kampo medicines

Although Kampo medicines have been used for more than 2000 years, there are few studies on their molecular mechanisms of action. We examined the pharmacological effect and mechanism of action of Kososan with global gene expression analysis using a DNA chip. We found that the difference of gene expression patterns between responders and non-responders, suggesting that gene expression profiling is a possible approach for studying the effects of Kampo madicines.

Project 7
Research of scientific bases on traditional methods of examination in Kampo medicine

The traditional methods of examination, such as examination of the tongue and the abdomen, and feeling the pulse, are very important in Kampo medicine. We have analyzed scientifically the abnormal sign of the tongue by means of the modern techniques such as examination of gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastric juice pH, microcirculations, water metabolism, and the mental condition tests.