Investigation of Decoction Procedure of Maoto Described in Shokan-ron Using Mouse Amylase Inhibitory Activity / 日本東洋医学雑誌

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.

Sho, the Diagnostic Basis of Kampo Medicine ---Classical Concept vs. New Concept--- / 日本東洋医学雑誌

The practice of Chinese medicine has continued for more than 2,000 years, based on its long record of effectiveness. In this regard, Kampo medicine has also been used successfully for these many years, and it is still equally effective today, reflecting the fact that humans have changed little during that duration. In fact, it is said that humans have not undergone much evolutionary change in the last four million years. In contrast to this, however, are the ongoing changes in our environment and surroundings, which are giving rise to a host of new diseases, including many that are allergy-related.In the Japanese system of Kampo medicine, the pathophysiological diagnosis (Sho) and treatment are decided on the basis of two venerable texts, Shokanron and Kinkiyoryaku. There is, as a matter of fact, a prevailing, and possibly too extreme, opinion among Kampo practitioners that Kampo methods and medications not found in these two manuals are not to be applied. However, it is thought that changes had already been made to these texts in 1065-1066 by Rinoku et al., and possibly also by others earlier during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Furthermore, two other texts, Ishimpo and Taiheiseikeiho, present many points that differ from those found in Shokanron. Thus, it is highly likely that Sho is also based on other revisions possibly carried out on these texts (originally authored by Cho Chukei) before Rinoku et al., if not on their own revised versions. From this, it must be realized that revision itself is not a bad process, and rather that the changes for which Rinoku et al. were responsible are quite in harmony with the present age.We must not be afraid to break with an old style. From the early days of Kampo medicine, Sho was assessed on the basis of the four available examination methods (visual examination, examination according to hearing and smell, questions and answers, and palpation). The field of medicine has since undergone some remarkable transitions, and its current state is one of tremendous development. As part of these newly acquired abilities, elevated levels of leucocytes and CRP as reflecting the state of the disease, for example, can be incorporated into the assessment of Sho. In this sense, Kampo practitioners should adopt and apply useful methods also originating from Western medicine. As a matter of fact, this is in line with the preface of Shokanron, which states that useful medications and methods should be gathered as broadly as possible ( ?? ).

On the Formation of Chinese Great Classic “Shokanron”, and Its Specificity / 日本東洋医学雑誌

The author has attempted to reveal the evolution behind the great Chinese classic “Shokanron”, through historical study. Results suggest that it originally evolved from human anatomical trials in the Xin Dynasty (AD 16). Subsequently, some person or persons engaged in these anatomical trials created a new standard, i. e. verification. This newly developed school created the methodology for describing clinical cases, according to a standard format. The followers of this school then accumulated clinical case studies over several generations, with Chochukei finally compiling “Shokanron” (AD 200). In this classic, Chochukei put forth the theory of six disease stages, and presented a manual for acute febrile disease treatment.

The History of Sho-saiko-to / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Sho-saiko-to, a prescription composed of seven crude drugs, is one of the most popular Kampo formulas in clinical use. Recently, the side effects of Sho-saiko-to have become an issue. To gain perspective on this problem, the authors searched the indications and pharmacological characteristics of the Sho-saiko-to as noted in ancient Chinese and Japanese medical texts.<br>Sho-saiko-to was first described in the ‘Shokanron’ (_??__??__??_); ‘Shang Han Lun’; ‘Treatise on Damaging Cold’), which contains are over ten references to this formula. It is recommended for a variety of conditions, but its most fundamental usage was for exogenous febrile diseases. The meaning of some of the indications are still somewhat vague.<br>In China, the crude drug composition and clinical use of Sho-saiko-to gradually changed over the years. In Japan, Sho-saiko-to has been in use since the Kamakura era. In the Edo era, it was mainly used for complaints of alternative spells of fever and chills, a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, lack of appetite and vomiting.<br>Sho-saiko-to has been in use for centuries and is still a very useful prescription. However, the classical medical texts also indicate that adverse reactions will result if this formula is not prescribed properly following accurate Kampo diagnosis.