title: Effects of saiboku-to (TJ-96) on the production of platelet-activating factor in human neutrophils.
abstract: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been recognized as an important chemical mediator in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Evidence suggests that PAF is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, in which PAF induces profound bronchospasms, increased vascular permeability, and eosinophil/neutrophil accumulation in the respiratory tract. The precise pharmacologic mechanisms of Kampo preparations are still obscure, but extensive experience has established their clinical effectiveness for the treatment of patients with allergic and inflammatory disorders. We tried to examine the effects of Saiboku-to (TJ-96), a Kampo prescription, on in vitro PAF production by human neutrophils because this preparation is widely used for the management of patients with bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Saibokuto inhibited in vitro PAF production in a dose-dependent manner. Among the major natural components of Saiboku-to, saiko (Bupleuri radix) and kanzo (Glycyrrhizae radix) showed inhibitory effects on PAF production, whereas ohgon (Scutellariae radix) had no inhibitory effect. Saikosaponin a and c, purified elements extracted from saiko, showed no inhibitory effects, but saikosaponin d and glycyrrhizin, extracted from kanzo, inhibited PAF production dose-dependently. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of Kampo medicines in allergic diseases, but our present results suggest that the pharmacologic benefit of Saiboku-to is partially due to its inhibitory effect on PAF production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kuriyama
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kosuge
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishihara
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020835:Medicine, Kampo; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009828:Oleanolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012502:Sapogenins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012503:Saponins
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D012502:Sapogenins; D012503:Saponins; C045086:saiboku-to; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid; D009828:Oleanolic Acid; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid; C025759:saikosaponin D