title: Herbal medicines for the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects.
abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that Japanese herbal medicines, called Kampo, have beneficial effects on cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects. Rikkunshito ameliorates cisplatin-induced anorexia through an antagonistic effect on the 5-HT receptors and by increasing the serum ghrelin levels. Hangeshashinto improves irinotecan-induced diarrhea and chemotherapy-induced mucositis by inhibiting the activity of β-glucuronidase as well as the synthesis of prostaglandin E2. Goshajinkigan prevents oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity, possibly through suppressing functional alterations of the transient receptor potential channels. In this review, we will summarize the currently available literature regarding the clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of Kampo medicines in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine , Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: Shunsuke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohnishi
authors.affiliation: Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University , Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takeda
keywords: Kampo; chemotherapy-induced side effects; goshajinkigan; hangeshashinto; rikkunshito