Effects of Hachimi-jio-gan in aged rats.
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.
Ninomiya
H
H
Second Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ehime University, Japan.
Kato
S
S
Okuda
H
H
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
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal