Classical Sources of the Kampo Formulae Kihi-to and Kami-kihi-to / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

A study of the classical references to the Kampo formulas Kihi-to and Kamikihi-to was conducted. The common constituents for Kihi-to today are Ginseng Radix, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Hoelen, Longanae Arillus, Zizyphi Spinosi Semen, Astragali Radix, Polygalae Radix, Angelicae Radix, Saussureae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Zizyphi Fructus. The Kihi-to noted in the ‘Saiseiho’ (‘Ji Sheng Fang) did not contain Angelicae Radix and Polygalae Radix, and the Kihi-to in the ‘Gyokukibigi’ (‘Yu Ji Wei Yi’) adds Angelicae Radix to the formula found in the ‘Saiseiho, ’ The ‘Sesshi-ian’ (‘Xue Shi Yi An’) also adds Polygalae Radix. In the ‘Sesshi-ian’ there are three formulas given for Kamikihi-to one with Bupleuri Radix and Gardeniae Fructus, one containing Bupleuri Radix, Moutan Radicis Cortex and Gardeniae Fructus, and one with Moutan Radicis Cortex and Gardeniae Fructus. Although all three variations can be found in the formula guidelines in circulation during the Edo period in Japan, at present, the formula containing Bupleuri Radix and Gardeniae Fructus is the most prevalent. This is most likely due to the influence of the ‘Futsugo-yakushitsu-hokan’ and ‘Futsugo-yakushitsu-hokan-kuketsu’.<br>In summary, the classical texts which included Kihi-to and Kamikihi-to were found to be the ‘Saiseiho’, ‘Gyokukibigi’, and the ‘Sesshi-ian’