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We investigated the clinical efficacy of concomitant Kampo treatments, expected to have immediate effect in improving outcomes with western drug therapies for Japanese cedar pollinosis. Twenty cases using shoseiryuto, considered a first-line drug for allergic rhinitis, were studied. The resultant efficacy rate was 45%. The efficacy rate for 24 cases using eppikajutsuto, by contrast, was 64%. The latter cases demonstrated far better therapeutic result than the former. In 7 cases using maoto + eppikajutsuto (as simplified daiseiryuto), another prescription we often use for serious illness, the resultant efficacy rate was 72%. Of these, the most favorable effect resulted in 16 cases using shoseiryuto + gokoto, which resulted in an efficacy rate of 87%. We had originally developed this prescription in order to improve the effectiveness of mao and sekko as anti-inflammatories. There were no cases where patients needed to be dosed with an oral steroid. The only notable event was one patient who complained of stomachache as an adverse drug reaction. In conclusion, we can say that the overall therapeutic outcome with 11 different Kampo medicines was extremely satisfactory: an efficacy rate of 83%. These marked improvements in clinical efficacy were made by using Kampo medicines together with a western drug used for the treatment of Japanese cedar pollinosis.
Assuntos
Medicina KampoRESUMO
<i>Background</i>: As a complementary medicine we have evaluated the efficacy of Benihuuki green tea, which contains methylated form of tea catechin reported stronger anti-allergic activities than ordinary catechin, on Japanese Cedar Pollinosis (JCP) in comparison with Yabukita green tea, contains ordinary catechin. This study was carried out during the pollination season, Feb.–April, in 2005.<br> <i>Method</i>: Four hundred eighty six patients with JCP, visiting 12 otorhinolaryngology clinics in Fukuoka prefecture were divided into A and B groups and subjected to quasi-single blind clinical trials. Under ordinary conditions, A-group patients took Benihuuki green tea and B-group took Yabukita green tea every day from February 1<sup>st</sup> to the end of Japanese cedar and Cupressaceae pollination season. We compared nose and eye symptom scores, medication scores and disturbance of quality of life (QOL).<br> <i>Result</i>: There were no differences observed between the two groups with respect to their symptom scores and the disturbance of QOL. However, decreasing trend of the medication scores was observed in A-group (p < 0.1).<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: It has been suggested that Benihuuki green tea is a possible candidate as a complementary medicine for JCP during the pollination season.<br>
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abundance of Japanese cedars (JC) in Cheju Island has caused some of the island's residents to suffer from severe allergic symptom in the spring time. This study was carried out to verify the presence of JC allergic rhinitis (AR) in the island. Materials and Method: We performed a history survey, skin testing and nasal provocation test to JC and other common allergens for 170 residents who have symptom of AR. We also performed the same tests in 18 Japanese who had history of AR to JC and have lived in Korea more than 3 years. And as a control, skin tests were performed for 581 patients who live in Seoul. RESULTS: Positive reactions to JC were seen in 22.4% of the resident group. The prevalence rate was remarkable in the state capital of Cheju. These reactions were associated with conjunctivitis, dermatitis, asthma and food allergy. All the 18 Japanese patients were sensitive to JC. However, the allergic symptoms disappeared within 1 year after the move to Korea. And there were no patients sensitive to JC in the control subjects. Conclusions: We confirmed the presence of AR of JC in Cheju island. The distribution is comparatively coincided with JC and/or air pollution and this result indicate that environmental factors can be involved in the manifestation of the disease.