title: Effects of Hachimi-jio-gan in aged rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of Hachimi-jio-gan, a traditional Japanese Kampo medication composed of eight medicinal herbs used for treating older people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen laboratory-bred Fischer 344 rats
  
  
  METHODS
  The rats were divided into two groups. One was the control group and the other was given chow containing 7% Hachimi-jio-gan powder for a period 110-120 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  The rats were assessed for wheel running and an inclined screen test from weeks 119-120; then laboratory and histologic examinations were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The group receiving Hachimi-jio-gan was more active in spontaneous mobility during wheel running; they maintained a significantly higher angle of retaining posture than the control group on the inclined screen; there was no significant difference in laboratory and histologic findings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aged rats that received Hachimi-jio-gan were more active and stronger than the control group rats. The findings suggest that Hachimi-jio-gan is a safe and effective Kampo prescription for aging rats.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ehime University, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ninomiya
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Okuda
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D020835:Medicine, Kampo; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D011187:Posture; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal