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Yang SY, Lin ZX, Xian YF, Zhang HM, Xu HX. Traditional uses, chemical compounds, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on the traditional Chinese prescription Yi-Gan San. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115859. [PMID: 36280017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A widely used traditional prescription, Yi-Gan San (YGS) is a remedy for neurodegenerative disorders. The formulation consists of seven Chinese medicinal materials in specific proportions, namely Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil.), Bupleuri Radix (Bupleurum chinense DC.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum wallichii Franch.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.). Using YGS has been shown to alleviate various behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). AIM OF THIS REVIEW The goal of this review is to give up-to-date information about the traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and clinical efficacy of YGS based on the scientific literature and to learn the current focus and provide references in the next step. MATERIALS AND METHODS The database search room was accessed using the search terms "Yi-Gan San" and "Yokukansan" to obtain results from resources such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Sci Finder Scholar. We not only consulted the literature of fellow authors for this review but also explored classical medical books. RESULTS YGS has been used to cure neurosis, sleeplessness, night weeping and restlessness in infants. Its chemical components primarily consist of triterpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, lactones, alkaloids and other types of compounds. These active ingredients displayed diverse pharmacological activities to ameliorate BPSD by regulating serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission. In addition, YGS showed neuroprotective, antistress, and anti-inflammatory effects. The majority of cases of neurodegenerative disorders are treated with YGS, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. CONCLUSIONS Based on previous studies, YGS has been used as a traditional prescription in East Asia, such as Japan, Korea and China, and it has diverse chemical compounds and multiple pharmacological activities. Nevertheless, few experimental studies have focused on chemical and quantitative YGS studies, suggesting that further comprehensive research on its chemicals and quality assessments is critical for future evaluations of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Hosseini L, Farokhi-Sisakht F, Badalzadeh R, Khabbaz A, Mahmoudi J, Sadigh-Eteghad S. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Melatonin Alleviate Aging-induced Cognitive Impairment via Modulation of Mitochondrial Function and Apoptosis in the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus. Neuroscience 2019; 423:29-37. [PMID: 31678348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Given the fact that both melatonin and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) act as pleiotropic agents in various age-related cognitive disorders, we aimed to investigate the effect of these compounds separately and together on the cognitive outcomes, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in aged rats. Forty old and ten young (24 and 3 months old, respectively) male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: Young+Normal saline (NS), Aged+NS, Aged+Melatonin, Aged+NMN, and Aged+melatonin+NMN. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) and NMN (100 mg/kg) were administered, separately or in combination for 28 every other day in aged animals. The Barnes maze and novel object recognition test were used to assess spatial and episodic-like memories, respectively. Also, apoptosis and alterations in mitochondrial function including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels as well as mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) regions. Behavioral results revealed that NMN and melatonin separately or in combination, alleviate aging-induced memory impairment. Moreover, agents' co-administration declined mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell count both in PFC and HIP regions. The agents separately or in combination (more potent) could induce neuroprotective effect and improve learning and memory in aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseini
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Badalzadeh
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aytak Khabbaz
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Mahmoudi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Azuma K, Toyama T, Katano M, Kajimoto K, Hayashi S, Suzuki A, Tsugane H, Iinuma M, Kubo KY. Yokukansan Ameliorates Hippocampus-Dependent Learning Impairment in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 41:1593-1599. [PMID: 30270329 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b18-00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine. It has been currently applied for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Japan. We investigated the effect of YKS on learning ability, hippocampal cell proliferation, and neural ultrastructural features in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), a proposed animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Five-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The control group had drug-free water ad libitum. The experimental mice were given 0.15% aqueous solution of YKS orally for eight weeks. Learning ability was assessed in Morris water maze test. Hippocampal cell proliferation was investigated using bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemical method. The neural ultrastructural features, including myelin sheath and synapse, were investigated electron microscopy. Administration with YKS improved the hippocampal cell proliferation in dentate gyrus, and ameliorated learning impairment in SAMP8 mice. Numerous lipofuscin inclusions were presented in hippocampal neurons of the control mice. However, little were found after treatment with YKS. Myelin sheath was thicker and postsynaptic density length was longer after treatment with YKS. Administration with YKS ameliorated learning impairment in SAMP8 mice, mediated at least partially via delaying neuronal aging process, neurogenesis, myelin sheath and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. These results suggest that YKS might be effective for preventing hippocampus-dependent cognitive deficits with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kagaku Azuma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Tatsuya Toyama
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Masahisa Katano
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Kyoko Kajimoto
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Sakurako Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Ayumi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Hiroko Tsugane
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Mitsuo Iinuma
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry
| | - Kin-Ya Kubo
- Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Science, Nagoya Women's Univrsity
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Basic Study of Drug-Drug Interaction between Memantine and the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine Yokukansan. Molecules 2018; 24:molecules24010115. [PMID: 30597998 PMCID: PMC6337661 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies were conducted as part of a group of studies to clarify the drug-drug interaction (DDI) between memantine (MEM), a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, and yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine used to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The pharmacokinetic studies showed that there were no statistically significant differences in MEM concentrations in the plasma, brain, and urine between mice treated with MEM alone and with MEM plus YKS. Regarding candidate active ingredients of YKS, there were also no statistically significant differences in concentrations of geissoschizine methyl ether in the plasma and brain, urine, glycyrrhetinic acid in the plasma, and isoliquiritigenin in the urine, in mice treated with YKS alone or with MEM plus YKS. The pharmacological studies showed that isoliquiritigenin, which has an N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonistic effect, did not affect the inhibitory effect of MEM on NMDA-induced intracellular Ca2+ influx in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Moreover, YKS did not affect either the ameliorative effects of MEM on NMDA-induced learning and memory impairment, or the MEM-induced decrease in locomotor activities in mice. These results suggest that there is probably no pharmacokinetic or pharmacological interaction between MEM and YKS in mice, but more detailed studies are needed in the future. Our findings provide important information for future studies, to clarify the DDI more regarding the efficacy and safety of combined use of these drugs in a clinical situation.
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Potential Application of Yokukansan as a Remedy for Parkinson’s Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1155/2018/1875928
expr 870091642 + 807102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by complex motor and nonmotor symptoms. The clinical diagnosis of PD is defined by bradykinesia and other cardinal motor features, although several nonmotor symptoms are also related to disability, an impaired quality of life, and shortened life expectancy. Levodopa, which is used as a standard pharmacotherapy for PD, has limitations including a short half-life, fluctuations in efficacy, and dyskinesias with long-term use. There have been efforts to develop complementary and alternative therapies for incurable PD. Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional herbal medicine that is widely used for treating neurosis, insomnia, and night crying in children. The clinical efficacy of YKS for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and impaired agitation/aggression subscale and activities of daily living scores, has mainly been investigated in the context of neurological disorders such as PD, Alzheimer’s disease, and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, YKS has previously been found to improve clinical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric and cognitive impairments, pain, and tardive dyskinesia. Preclinical studies have reported that the broad efficacy of YKS for various symptoms involves its regulation of neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine, as well as the expression of dynamin and glutamate transporters, and changes in glucocorticoid hormones and enzymes such as choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, YKS has neuroprotective effects at various cellular levels via diverse mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the clinical efficacy and neuropharmacological effects of YKS. We discuss the possible mechanisms underpinning the effects of YKS on neuropathology and suggest that the multiple actions of YKS may be beneficial as a treatment for PD. We highlight the potential that YKS may serve as a complementary and alternative strategy for the treatment of PD.
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Jang JH, Jung K, Kim JS, Jung I, Yoo H, Moon C. Potential Application of Yokukansan as a Remedy for Parkinson's Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:1875928. [PMID: 30671124 PMCID: PMC6317124 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1875928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by complex motor and nonmotor symptoms. The clinical diagnosis of PD is defined by bradykinesia and other cardinal motor features, although several nonmotor symptoms are also related to disability, an impaired quality of life, and shortened life expectancy. Levodopa, which is used as a standard pharmacotherapy for PD, has limitations including a short half-life, fluctuations in efficacy, and dyskinesias with long-term use. There have been efforts to develop complementary and alternative therapies for incurable PD. Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional herbal medicine that is widely used for treating neurosis, insomnia, and night crying in children. The clinical efficacy of YKS for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and impaired agitation/aggression subscale and activities of daily living scores, has mainly been investigated in the context of neurological disorders such as PD, Alzheimer's disease, and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, YKS has previously been found to improve clinical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric and cognitive impairments, pain, and tardive dyskinesia. Preclinical studies have reported that the broad efficacy of YKS for various symptoms involves its regulation of neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine, as well as the expression of dynamin and glutamate transporters, and changes in glucocorticoid hormones and enzymes such as choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, YKS has neuroprotective effects at various cellular levels via diverse mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the clinical efficacy and neuropharmacological effects of YKS. We discuss the possible mechanisms underpinning the effects of YKS on neuropathology and suggest that the multiple actions of YKS may be beneficial as a treatment for PD. We highlight the potential that YKS may serve as a complementary and alternative strategy for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hee Jang
- Department of Korean Internal Medicine, Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital, Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsook Jung
- Immunoregulatory Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 181 Ipsin-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Sun Kim
- K-herb Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Inchul Jung
- Department of Korean Neuropsychology, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital, Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Horyong Yoo
- Department of Korean Internal Medicine, Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital, Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Plus Project Team, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Nogami-Hara A, Nagao M, Takasaki K, Egashira N, Fujikawa R, Kubota K, Watanabe T, Katsurabayashi S, Hatip FB, Hatip-Al-Khatib I, Iwasaki K. The Japanese Angelica acutiloba root and yokukansan increase hippocampal acetylcholine level, prevent apoptosis and improve memory in a rat model of repeated cerebral ischemia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 214:190-196. [PMID: 29269276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Japanese Angelica acutiloba root (Angelica root) is included in several Kampo medicines including Yokukansan (YKS). Angelica root and YKS are used for the treatment of a variety of psychological and neurodegenerative disorders. Development of safe and effective therapeutic agents against cerebrovascular disorders will improve the treatment of patients with dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY The effect of Angelica root and YKS on ischemia-impaired memory has not yet been fully investigated. The present study investigated whether Angelica root is also involved in memory improving and neuroprotective effect of YKS in a model of cerebrovascular ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats grouped into sham rats received saline, and other three groups subjected to repeated cerebral ischemia induced by 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO), received a 7-day oral administration of either saline, Angelica root or YKS. Memory was evaluated by eight-arm radial maze task. Acetylcholine release (ACh) in the dorsal hippocampus was investigated by microdialysis-HPLC. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated fluorescein-deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling. RESULTS Ischemia induced apoptosis, reduced release of ACh, and impaired the memory (increased error choices and decreased correct choices). Angelica root and YKS improved the memory deficits, upregulated the release of ACh and prevented 4-VO-induced hippocampal apoptosis. CONCLUSION The dual ACh-increasing and neuroprotective effect of Angelica root could make it a promising therapeutic agent useful for the treatment of symptoms of cerebrovascular dementia. Angelica root could be one of the components contributing to the memory-improving and neuroprotective effects of YKS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nogami-Hara
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Masaki Nagao
- A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Kotaro Takasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Egashira
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Kaori Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Funda Bolukbasi Hatip
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey
| | - Izzettin Hatip-Al-Khatib
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey.
| | - Katsunori Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
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Mizoguchi K, Ikarashi Y. Cellular Pharmacological Effects of the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine Yokukansan on Brain Cells. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:655. [PMID: 28979206 PMCID: PMC5611794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine currently used for the treatment of the behavioral psychological symptoms associated with dementia (BPSD), which is frequently problematic in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Regarding the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its efficacy, we recently reviewed the multiple effects of YKS on the neurotransmitter systems (e.g., glutamatergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, and adrenergic neurotransmission) in various brain regions that are related to the psychological, emotional, cognitive, or memory functions. These multiple effects are thought to be caused by multiple components included in YKS. In addition, YKS exhibits various effects on brain cells (i.e., neurons, glial cells including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells, and endothelial cells). In this review, we summarize recent evidence demonstrating the cellular pharmacological effects of YKS on these brain cells, and discuss the current understanding of its efficacy and mechanism. In particular, YKS maintains the neuronal survival and function by multiple beneficial effects, including anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress, and neurogenesis. YKS also acts on glial cells by: facilitating the transport of glutamate into astrocytes; promoting the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes; and enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of microglial cells. These glial effects are thought to support neuronal functioning within the brain. Various ingredients involved in these effects have been identified, some of which can pass through the artificial blood–brain barrier without disrupting the endothelial tight junctions. This multitude of interactive effects displayed by YKS on neuronal and glial cells is suggested to be involved in the multitude of neuropsychopharmacological actions of YKS, which are related to the improvement of BPSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co.Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co.Ibaraki, Japan
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Mizoguchi K, Ikarashi Y. Multiple Psychopharmacological Effects of the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine Yokukansan, and the Brain Regions it Affects. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:149. [PMID: 28377723 PMCID: PMC5359390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, has indications for use in night crying and irritability in children, as well as neurosis and insomnia. It is currently also used for the remedy of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. In parallel with clinical evidence, a significant amount of fundamental researches have been undertaken to clarify the neuropsychopharmacological efficacies of YKS, with approximately 70 articles, including our own, being published to date. Recently, we reviewed the neuropharmacological mechanisms of YKS, including its effects on glutamatergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and pharmacokinetics of the ingredients responsible for the effects. This review is aimed to integrate the information regarding the psychopharmacological effects of YKS with the brain regions known to be affected, to facilitate our understanding of the clinical efficacy of YKS. In this review, we first show that YKS has several effects that act to improve symptoms that are similar to BPSDs, like aggressiveness, hallucinations, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, as well as symptoms like tardive dyskinesia and cognitive deficits. We next provide the evidence showing that YKS can interact with various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and spinal cord, dysfunctions of which are related to psychiatric symptoms, cognitive deficits, abnormal behaviors, and dysesthesia. In addition, the major active ingredients of YKS, geissoschizine methyl ether and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, are shown to predominantly bind to the frontal cortex and hippocampus, respectively. Our findings suggest that YKS has multiple psychopharmacological effects, and that these are probably mediated by interactions among several brain regions. In this review, we summarize the available information about the valuable effects of a multicomponent medicine YKS on complex neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki Japan
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Ishida Y, Ebihara K, Tabuchi M, Imamura S, Sekiguchi K, Mizoguchi K, Kase Y, Koganemaru G, Abe H, Ikarashi Y. Yokukansan, a Traditional Japanese Medicine, Enhances the L-DOPA-Induced Rotational Response in 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rats: Possible Inhibition of COMT. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 39:104-13. [PMID: 26725433 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan (YKS) on the function of dopamine (DA) in the rat nigrostriatal system. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions were produced in the rat nigrostriatal system. Despite a marked loss in the striatal immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase on the lesion side, striatal serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity was not affected. Treatment using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in conjunction with benserazide for 15 d induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) such as locomotive (rotational response), axial, forelimb, and orolingual movements in the lesioned rats. The L-DOPA-induced locomotive and axial, but not forelimb and orolingual, AIMs were significantly increased and prolonged by the pre-administration of YKS. We next investigated the effects of YKS on the production of DA from L-DOPA in 5-HT synthetic RIN 14B cells. RIN 14B cells produced DA and its metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), following L-DOPA treatment. YKS significantly augmented DA production and inhibited its metabolism to 3-MT in a manner similar to the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor entacapone. YKS and some alkaloids (corynoxeine: CX, geissoschizine methyl ether: GM) in Uncaria hook, a constituent herb of YKS, also inhibited COMT activity, indicating that the augmenting effect of YKS on L-DOPA-induced DA production in 5-HT synthetic cells was due to the inhibition of COMT by CX and GM. Our results suggest that YKS facilitates the DA supplemental effect of L-DOPA, and that COMT inhibition by CX and GM contributes, at least in part, to the effects of YKS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ishida
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki
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Ikarashi Y, Mizoguchi K. Neuropharmacological efficacy of the traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan and its active ingredients. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 166:84-95. [PMID: 27373856 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive dysfunction, and is often complicated by behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including excitement, aggression, and hallucinations. Typical and atypical antipsychotics are used for the treatment of BPSD, but induce adverse events. The traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan (YKS), which had been originated from the traditional Chinese medicine Yi-Gan-San, has been reported to improve BPSD without severe adverse effects. In the preclinical basic studies, there are over 70 research articles indicating the neuropharmacological efficacies of YKS. In this review, we first describe the neuropharmacological actions of YKS and its bioactive ingredients. Multiple potential actions for YKS were identified, which include effects on serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions as well as neuroprotection, anti-stress effect, promotion of neuroplasticity, and anti-inflammatory effect. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) in Uncaria hook and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) in Glycyrrhiza were responsible for several pharmacological actions of YKS. Subsequently, we describe the pharmacokinetics of GM and GA in rats. These ingredients were absorbed into the blood, crossed the blood-brain barrier, and reached the brain, in rats orally administered YKS. Moreover, autoradiography showed that [(3)H]GM predominantly distributed in the frontal cortex and [(3)H]GA in the hippocampus. Thus, YKS is a versatile herbal remedy with a variety of neuropharmacological effects, and may operate as a multicomponent drug including various active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
| | - Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
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Matsushita A, Fujita T, Ohtsubo S, Kumamoto E. Traditional Japanese medicines inhibit compound action potentials in the frog sciatic nerve. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 178:272-80. [PMID: 26707752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicines have a variety of clinical effects including pain alleviation, but evidence for a mechanism for their pain relief has not yet been elucidated fully. Considering that Kampo medicine contains many plant-derived chemicals having an ability to inhibit nerve action potential conduction, it is possible that this medicine inhibits nerve conduction. The purpose of the present study was to know how various Kampo medicines affect nerve conduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the effects of Kampo and crude medicines on compound action potentials (CAPs) recorded from the frog sciatic nerve by using the air-gap method. RESULTS Daikenchuto, rikkosan, kikyoto, rikkunshito, shakuyakukanzoto and kakkonto concentration-dependently reduced the peak amplitude of the CAP. Among the Kampo medicines, daikenchuto was the most effective in inhibiting CAPs. Daikenchuto is composed of three kinds of crude medicine, Japanese pepper, processed ginger and ginseng radix. When the crude medicines were tested, Japanese pepper and processed ginger reduced CAP peak amplitudes, while ginseng radix hardly affected CAPs. Moreover, there was an interaction between the Japanese pepper and processed ginger activities in such that one medicine at low but not high concentrations increased the extent of the inhibition by the other one that was co-applied. CONCLUSIONS Kampo medicines have an ability to inhibit nerve conduction. This action of daikenchuto is due to Japanese pepper and processed ginger but not ginseng radix, probably through an interaction between Japanese pepper and processed ginger in a manner dependent on their concentrations. Nerve conduction inhibition could contribute to at least a part of Kampo medicine's clinical effects such as pain alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsugumi Fujita
- Department of Physiology, Saga Medical School, Saga, Japan.
| | - Sena Ohtsubo
- Department of Physiology, Saga Medical School, Saga, Japan.
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Wang Q, Li M, Du W, Shao F, Wang W. The different effects of maternal separation on spatial learning and reversal learning in rats. Behav Brain Res 2014; 280:16-23. [PMID: 25479401 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Early postnatal maternal separation (MS) can play an important role in the development of psychopathologies during ontogeny. In the present study, we investigated the effects of repeated MS (4h per day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21) on locomotor activity and anxiety behavior in open field, spatial learning and reversal learning in Morris water maze of male and female juvenile (PND 21), adolescent (PND 35) and early adult (PND 56) Wistar rats. The results indicated that MS increased locomotor activity of rats across all ages and reduced anxiety behavior of adolescent rats in open field test. MS also increased swim distance in spatial learning and decreased escape latency in reversal learning in adolescent and early adult rats. Additionally, for socially reared rats, there was increased spontaneous locomotion with age, decreased reversal learning ability with age. The present study provides novel insights into the consequences of MS and demonstrates unique age-dependent changes at the behavioral levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Weiwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Muneoka K, Kuwagata M, Ogawa T, Shioda S. Mother/offspring co-administration of the traditional herbal remedy yokukansan during the nursing period influences grooming and cerebellar serotonin levels in a rat model of neurodevelopmental disorders. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 14:86-96. [PMID: 25315739 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental impairment in the serotonergic system may be involved in autism spectrum disorder. Yokukansan is a traditional herbal remedy for restlessness and agitation in children, and mother-infant co-administration (MICA) to both the child and the nursing mother is one of the recommended treatment approaches. Recent studies have revealed the neuropharmacological properties of Yokukansan (YKS), including its 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptor agonistic effects. We investigated the influence of YKS treatment on behavior in a novel environment and on brain monoamine metabolism during the nursing period in an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders, prenatally BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine)-treated rats (BrdU-rats). YKS treatment did not influence locomotor activity in BrdU-rats but reduced grooming in open-field tests. YKS treatment without MICA disrupted the correlation between locomotor behaviors and rearing and altered levels of serotonin and its metabolite in the cerebellum. These effects were not observed in the group receiving YKS treatment with MICA. These data indicate a direct pharmacological effect of YKS on the development of grooming behavior and profound effects on cerebellar serotonin metabolism, which is thought to be influenced by nursing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumasa Muneoka
- Department of Anatomy I, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan,
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Mizoguchi K, Kanno H, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Specific binding and characteristics of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in rat brain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95760. [PMID: 24752617 PMCID: PMC3994142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the aglycone of glycyrrhizin that is a component of Glycyrrhiza, and has several pharmacological actions in the central nervous system. Recently, GA has been demonstrated to reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier in rats after oral administration of a Glycyrrhiza-containing traditional Japanese medicine, yokukansan. These findings suggest that there are specific binding sites for GA in the brain. Here we show evidence that [3H]GA binds specifically to several brain areas by quantitative autoradiography; the density was higher in the hippocampus, moderate in the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, thalamus, and mid brain, and lower in the brain stem and cerebellum. Several kinds of steroids, gap junction-blocking reagents, glutamate transporter-recognized compounds, and glutamate receptor agonists did not inhibit the [3H]GA binding. Microautoradiography showed that the [3H]GA signals in the hippocampus were distributed in small non-neuronal cells similar to astrocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that immunoreactivity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (11β-HSD1), a defined molecule recognized by GA, was detected mainly in neurons, moderately in astrocytes, and very slightly in microglial cells, of the hippocampus. These results demonstrate that specific binding sites for GA exist in rat brain tissue, and suggest that the pharmacological actions of GA may be related to 11β-HSD1 in astrocytes. This finding provides important information to understand the pharmacology of GA in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kanno
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kase
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
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Okamoto H, Iyo M, Ueda K, Han C, Hirasaki Y, Namiki T. Yokukan-san: a review of the evidence for use of this Kampo herbal formula in dementia and psychiatric conditions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:1727-42. [PMID: 25246794 PMCID: PMC4168872 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s65257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo) has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It was introduced to Japan in the middle of the sixth century and has evolved over the past 1,400 years after combining with Japan's original folk remedies. While it retains some similarities to TCM, Kampo has evolved in Japan, resulting in a system of medicine that has many differences from TCM. Kampo medicine is considered to be very safe; in Japan, Kampo herbal formulas are manufactured by licensed pharmaceutical companies, prescribed by Western-trained medical doctors (usually as a freeze-dried extract), and have quality control standards similar to those of prescription drugs. The present study examined Yokukan-san (Yi-Gan San in TCM), a Kampo formula that has been used empirically in Japan for more than 400 years. Accumulating clinical trials have demonstrated Yokukan-san's efficacy in treating patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, which has resulted in the Japanese Society of Neurology listing it in the Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Dementia 2010. Efficacy in other diseases and conditions, such as sleep disorders, tardive dyskinesia, aggression, and impulsivity has also been reported. This article reviews both clinical and basic studies of Yokukan-san, with the goal of clarifying its clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Okamoto
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan ; Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Masaomi Iyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Cheolsun Han
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Hirasaki
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Takao Namiki
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
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Nakagawa T, Nagayasu K, Nishitani N, Shirakawa H, Sekiguchi K, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y, Kaneko S. Yokukansan inhibits morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice: the role of α₂A-adrenoceptor. Neuroscience 2012; 227:336-49. [PMID: 23069764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese medicine consisting of seven medicinal herbs that is used for the treatment of neurosis, insomnia, and the behavioral/psychological symptoms of dementia. This study examined the effects of YKS on morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice. Daily oral administration of YKS (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg) for 3 weeks significantly attenuated morphine tolerance and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs (jumps and body weight loss) without affecting the analgesic effect of morphine. The inhibitory effect of YKS on withdrawal jumps in morphine-dependent mice was blocked by a single pretreatment with an α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, but not by an α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. A similar inhibitory effect on withdrawal jumps was observed by repeated administration of yohimbine. The membrane expression of α(2A)-adrenoceptors in the pons/medulla was decreased in morphine withdrawn animals; this reduction was prevented by repeated administration of YKS or yohimbine. Competitive radioligand and [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding assays revealed that YKS and its constituent herbs, Glycyrrhiza (GR) and Uncaria hook (UH), had specific binding affinity for and antagonist activity against the α(2A)-adrenoceptor. Certain chemical constituents, including GR -derived glycyrrhizin and its metabolite, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, and UH-derived geissoschizine methyl ether (GME), shared such activities. Repeated administration of GR, UH, glycyrrhizin or GME significantly inhibited morphine withdrawal signs. These results suggest that YKS and its active constituents inhibit morphine tolerance and physical dependence, and that the latter is due at least in part to the prevention of the decreased membrane expression of the α(2A)-adrenoceptor in the brainstem by its prolonged blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Yamaguchi T, Tsujimatsu A, Kumamoto H, Izumi T, Ohmura Y, Yoshida T, Yoshioka M. Anxiolytic effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, via serotonin 5-HT1A receptors on anxiety-related behaviors in rats experienced aversive stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 143:533-539. [PMID: 22819689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), has been reported in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as aggression, anxiety and depression in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of senile dementia. AIMS OF THE STUDY In the present study, we investigated the anxiolytic effects of yokukansan on anxiety-related behaviors in rats that have experienced aversive stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used male Wistar/ST rats which received an electrical footshock as aversive stress. Yokukansan at a dose of 1.0 g/kg was administered orally once a day for 14 or 16 day before behavioral tests. To evaluate the anxiolytic effects, we used the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) test and elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. And we also investigated effects of yokukansan on locomotor activity in the Open-field (OF) test and on the change in plasma corticosterone after CFC stress, in rats that had experienced footshock stress. RESULTS In the CFC test, rats that had experienced footshock showed significant freezing behavior on re-exposure to the box 14 day after footshock stress. Yokukansan significantly suppressed freezing behavior in the CFC test. In the EPM test on the 16th day after the CFC test, yokukansan significantly increased the time spent in open arms after footshock stress compared to control rats. However, repeated administration of yokukansan on the 14th day did not affect the decrease in locomotor activity and the increase in plasma corticosterone by re-exposure to the box 14 day after footshock stress in the OF test and determination of serum corticosterone, respectively. These anxiolytic effects by yokukansan were antagonized by WAY-100635, a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, in the CFC test, but not the EPM test. Furthermore, 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist buspirone significantly suppressed freezing behavior in the CFC test; however, buspirone induced no change in the time spent in open arms in the EPM test. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that yokukansan has anxiolytic effects on anxiety-like behaviors induced by both innate fear and memory-dependent fear. In particular, yokukansan produced anxiolytic effects via 5-HT(1A) receptors in memory-dependent fear induced by aversive stress. Furthermore, yokukansan could be useful as one of the therapeutic drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorders and various mental disorders that have comorbid anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
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