The traditional Japanese medicine (Kanpo) in treating functional dyspepsia *
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as epigastric pain, epigastric burning, postprandial fullness, and early satiation in the absence of any organic, systemic, or metabolic disease. In Japan, traditional Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo) are widely prescribed orally for patients with FD. Several studies have shown that Kampo, including Rikkunshito and Hange-shasinto, improve gastrointestinal motility-related disorders and are, therefore, clinically efficacious against FD to some extent. There is limited clinical evidence of the mechanisms underlying the effects of this medicine in humans, and some important reports have been published in recent years. In this article, we have reported the strategies and the underlying physiological mechanisms and clinical benefits associated with the use of Kampo in treating FD, with a special focus on gastrointestinal functional disorders. (Accepted on June 23, 2011)
