The Effects of Dokhwaljihwang-tang Intravenous Pharmacopuncture on Cisplatin-Induced Emesis and Gastrointestinal Mobility Disorder in Rats

Abstract

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dokhwaljihwang-tang (DJT) intravenous pharmacopuncture on cisplatin-induced emesis and gastric mobility disorder in Wistar rats. Methods : Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups and cisplatin was administered to all groups except the normal group. The cisplatin group (n=5) received a cisplatin injection only. The saline group (n=5) was injected with cisplatin followed by 0.4 mL of saline. Groups DJT-1, DJT-2, and DJT-3 were injected with cisplatin, followed by 0.315 g/kg, 0.104 g/kg, and 0.034 g/kg of DJT, respectively. Body weight, food intake, and kaolin intake of rats were measured 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h after cisplatin injection. Residual food in the stomach was measured 48 h after cisplatin injection. Results : There was no significant difference in weight. The food intake was not significantly different 12 h after cisplatin administration. All groups except the normal group showed significantly decreased food intake after 24 h. After 36 h, food intake was not significantly different between groups DJT-1, DJT-2, and DJT-3 and the normal group. The kaolin intake of groups DJT-1 and DJT-2 was significantly decreased at 12 h and 24 h after cisplatin injection. Kaolin intake and residual food in the stomach were significantly decreased in groups DJT-1, DJT- 2, and DJT-3. Conclusion : In a Wistar rat model, DJT intravenous pharmacopuncture is suggested to be effective for cisplatin-induced emesis and gastric motility disorder. In the future, it is necessary to study the mechanism and chemical composition of each individual constitutive drug.