ABSTRACT
The adequacy of the Maoto decoction procedure described in the Shokan-ron text was investigated using the inhibitory activity of blended Ephedra herb on amylase enzyme. This enzyme is closely related to stress, and used clinically as an indicator of stress in humans.α-amylase in isolated mouse plasma was used in the experiment, and the enzymatic activity was measured according to the Caraway method. Two different decoction methods: the general process used today, and that described in the Shokan-ron (Ephedra herb alone is firstly infused, then another 3 crude drugs are added and it is further infused), were compared for yield of the extracts, inhibitory actions of the extracts, their crude polysaccharide fraction (one of the active components), and remaining fractions contained within each extract. The inhibitory activity of the extract was clearly promoted by the latter, ancient decoction method, compared with the former. Hence, the decoction method described in the Shokan-ron is presumed to have the aim of reducing stress to the body caused by Maoto itself, and mitigating the side effects of its component Ephedra herb. This biologically qualitative approach, reflected over the entire decoction process, is different from the simply physicochemically analytical approach which concerns itself merely with particular constituents, such as alkaloids. So, it may be beneficial to scientifically elucidate the significance of this decoction and its ingestion methods, as described by the ancient Shokan-ron and Kinki-yoryaku texts.