title: Effects of Rikkunshito (TJ-43) on Esophageal Motor Function and Gastroesophageal Reflux.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rikkunshito (TJ-43), an herbal medicine, has been demonstrated to relieve gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. However, the effects of TJ-43 on esophageal motor functions have not been fully determined. This double-blind crossover study was performed to investigate the effects of TJ-43 on esophageal motor functions and gastroesophageal reflux.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects were 10 normal male volunteers. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal body peristaltic contractions with and without 1-week administration of TJ-43 were examined in a crossover fashion. Post-prandial gastroesophageal reflux was also determined using a multi-channel impedance pH dual monitor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TJ-43 at a standard dose of 7.5 g/day did not significantly augment esophageal peristaltic contraction pressure measured in the proximal, middle and distal segments of the esophagus, whereas increment of resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure was observed in a supine position. In addition, TJ-43 administration did not decrease post-prandial gastroesophageal acid, non-acid reflux events or accelerate esophageal clearance time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TJ-43 at a standard dose did not have a significant effect on esophageal motor activity or gastroesophageal reflux in healthy adults.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo-shi, Shimane, Japan.
authors.forename: Terumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morita
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Furuta
authors.forename: Kyoichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Adachi
authors.forename: Shunji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohara
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanimura
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koshino
authors.forename: Tomochika
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Uemura
authors.forename: Kohji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Naora
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kinoshita