AbstractAimCisplatin is a highly effective anti‐cancer agent, but its clinical use is restricted due to severe renal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the alleviative effects of juzentaihoto (JTT) in a mouse model of cisplatin‐induced renal injury.MethodsFour groups of seven‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice (control, JTT, cisplatin, and JTT + cisplatin groups) were used in the study. The JTT and JTT + cisplatin groups received oral JTT (500 mg/kg) once a day for three days. After 24 h, the cisplatin, and JTT + cisplatin groups were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin (15 mg/kg). The mice in each group were euthanized 72 h after cisplatin administration, and blood and kidney samples were collected.ResultsCisplatin injection decreased body weight and elevated plasma blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, while also increasing renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. These changes were alleviated by JTT administration. We also found that platinum accumulation in the kidneys following cisplatin injection was attenuated by JTT treatment. Furthermore, Mate1 expression levels (a cisplatin efflux transporter) were upregulated by JTT injection.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that JTT mitigated cisplatin‐induced renal injury in mice by alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, achieved through the upregulation of the cisplatin efflux transporter Mate1.

AbstractBackgroundLicorice‐induced pseudoaldosteronism has been identified as a side effect of excessive licorice consumption. This condition is often characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, and hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe complications, such as arrhythmia and rhabdomyolysis, which can be life‐threatening. Thus, it is critical to recognize the early symptoms of pseudoaldosteronism to facilitate prompt intervention and effective management. Here, we investigated the frequency of various accompanying symptoms by systematically reviewing case reports of licorice‐induced pseudoaldosteronism not covered in similar studies and comparing findings with the manual on pseudoaldosteronism published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed to gather relevant human studies published between 1960 and July 2023 and written in English; data focusing on accompanying symptoms were summarized.ResultsThirty‐seven pertinent articles, encompassing 48 case reports (26 females and 1 unreported sex, mean age 64.6 ± 14.6), were identified and scrutinized. The analysis revealed that hypertension was the most prevalent followed by weakness and edema. None of the researched cases reported instances of spasticity or rigidity.DiscussionThe study findings identified hypertension and weakness followed by edema as the predominant symptoms associated with pseudoaldosteronism which is in agreement with the MHLW manual. However, we doubt that spasticity, rigidity, and possibly numbness could be noticed by patients and their families as common initial symptoms outlined in the manual.

AbstractAimWe aimed to clarify the characteristics of the Kampo specialists' gaze during Kampo abdominal examinations on simulated patients and obtain suggestions for improving medical students' gaze during Kampo medicine abdominal examinations.MethodsWe recorded and quantitatively evaluated the gazes of eight Kampo specialists and six medical students using a wearable eye tracker during abdominal examinations of simulated patients.ResultsWhen specific sites were observed during abdominal examinations, the Kampo specialists' gaze toward the simulated patient's face was significantly higher than that of the medical students (mean = 1.019, 95% highest density interval: 0.159–2.050). A significant difference was also observed between the two populations regarding the specific sites observed. The medical students' gaze durations toward the simulated patient's eyes (mean = −2.696; 95% highest density interval: −4.961 to −0.744), face (mean = −1.881; 95% highest density interval: −3.353 to −0.691), upper limbs (mean = −1.707; 95% highest density interval: −2.932 to −0.500), and lower limbs (mean = −2.555; 95% highest density interval: −4.730 to −0.654) were significantly longer than those of Kampo specialists.ConclusionsThe medical students' gazes were dispersed; those of Kampo specialists were focused and of short durations. These findings suggest that Kampo specialists quickly collect essential diagnostic information and look away from the patient's face to concentrate on considering the Kampo medicine diagnosis. Teaching Kampo specialists' gaze techniques in Kampo medicine education could lead to improvements in the gaze of medical students during abdominal examinations.

AbstractAimThe vasorelaxant saponins jujuboside A(1), A1(2), B(3), and acetyljujuboside B(4) were isolated from 50% MeOH extracts of seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu ex H.F. Chou (Rhamnaceae), and their effects were studied using isolated rat aortic rings.MethodDried jujube seeds were crushed and extracted with 50% MeOH, and the extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. Vasorelaxant effects of this extracts were assessed on rat isolated aorta rings. The aorta rings were placed in a well‐oxygenated bath of modified Krebs–Henseleit solution and the mechanical tension was measured isometrically.ResultsThe crude extract was fractionated by chromatographic methods with the guidance of vasorelaxant activity, and four saponins (1~4) were isolated. These compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Compounds 1~4 showed slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)‐induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. Treatment with 1~4 did not significantly inhibit NE‐induced vasoconstrictions. Compounds 1~4 inhibited vasoconstriction induced by high‐concentration potassium (60 mM) and NE in the presence of nicardipine but did not affect phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced vasoconstriction.ConclusionThese results suggest that inhibition of NE‐induced vasoconstriction by 1~4 is due to the inhibition of receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels and voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels or inhibition of intracellular calcium modulations.

AbstractAimCellulitis is a skin and soft‐tissue infection that is primarily treated with antimicrobial therapy, with the assumption that an organism is the causative agent. Eppikajutsuto (EPTJ) is generally used to alleviate inflammatory swelling, pain, and warmth in joints owing to its heat™1‐clearing and fluid™1‐regulating properties. This study is a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of EPTJ in the treatment of cellulitis.MethodsA total of 99 patients (48 men and 51 women) treated with EPTJ for cellulitis were recruited. The drug was considered effective when symptoms improved with EPTJ (including concomitant use of Kampo prescriptions) and ineffective when EPTJ was discontinued or changed to another drug. Adverse reactions were also monitored.ResultsThere were 94 effective and five ineffective cases (efficacy rate, 94.9%). No adverse events were reported. The dosing period of the effective group was found to be significantly longer than that of the ineffective group (p = 0.0221). Antibiotics were used in 48.5% of the cases; however, there was no difference in concomitant antibiotic use between the effective and ineffective groups.ConclusionEPTJ may be a safe and effective treatment option for cellulitis. Although antimicrobial agents were used in 48.5% of cases, further studies are needed to determine whether the concomitant use of antimicrobial agents is essential or the concomitant use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is useful.

AbstractAimBile acids are suggested to be involved in the antidiarrhetic effect of Goreisan (GRS). This study aimed to investigate the effect of GRS on fecal bile acid levels and composition of the gut microbiota in mice. Correlation analysis was employed to identify the potential gut microbiota associated with the alterations in fecal bile acid levels induced by GRS.MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet supplemented with GRS water extract for 4 weeks. Feces and cecal contents were collected from the mice to determine bile acid levels and analyze bacterial composition.ResultsGRS administration significantly increased the levels of fecal secondary bile acids, including ω‐muricholic acid (MCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and lithocholic acid (LCA). In contrast, the levels of primary bile acids, such as β‐MCA, cholic acid (CA), and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) showed a marked decrease. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Dehalobacterium PAC001221, and Eubacterium g23 and fecal levels of ωMCA, HDCA, and LCA.ConclusionsGRS was suggested to promote the formation of fecal secondary bile acids in mice, possibly through the enhancement of bacterial 7β‐dehydroxylation and 6β‐epimerization activities. These changes may be involved in the antidiarrhetic action of GRS. Concurrent evaluation of fecal bile acids and gut microbiota presents a promising approach for elucidating the novel mechanisms underlying the effects of kampo formulations, particularly in modulating the microbial metabolism of intestinal bile acids.

AbstractFour young researchers presented their studies in the field of traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Wakan‐yaku) at the Fourth Annual Young Researcher Forum held the day before the 2023 annual meeting of the Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine. Mr Sakoda outlined his research plan, emphasizing the potential of yokukansan to enhance palliative care for cancer patients. Meanwhile, Ms Tanide and Mr Nishihara explored the correlation among component contents in Coptis japonica on Sado Island. Additionally, Mr Okayama presented his study, focusing on the use of Sinomenium acutum‐derived compounds to inhibit the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and eradicate cancer stem cells. Finally, Mr Muraoka shared insights from his research on the inhibitory properties of Cassia obtusifolia sprout components. The event, conducted both in person and online, attracted a total of 58 participants. Looking ahead, we aim to further develop and continue hosting this forum in 2024 and beyond, fostering the advancement of research in this field.