ABSTRACT
We investigated the change of “Kyo-kyo-kuman, ” after the administration of Saiko-zai (including Bupleuri Radix) or Non-saiko-zai (not including Bupleuri Radix). Subjects were 44 patients (7 males, 37 females, with a mean age of 42.8±16.4). We evaluated their levels of the Kyo-kyo-kuman, with blood biochemical tests, their depressive levels using Zung's Self Depression Scale (SDS), and their subjective well-being levels using the Subjective Well-being Inventory (SUBI) scale, at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the administration of Kampo formula. In the S-group (20 patients), administered Saiko-zai for 6 months, the K-scale (Keio's Kyo-kyo-kuman scale) scores showed significant decreases at 3 and 6 months. In the C-group (16 patients), administered Non-saiko-zai for 6 months, the K-scale scores did not change significantly. There was a statistically significant decrease in the K-scale scores of the patients of S-group as compared to the patients of C-group. The decreases in the left K-scale scores correlated significantly with the rises in plasma protein concentrations.