Related Terms

• Asian ginseng, Asian skullcap, ginger, herbal remedies, hoelen, jujube, Kampo, licorice, magnolia, minor bupleurum decoction, perilla, pinellia, TJ-96, ziao-chai-hu-tang.

Background

• Saiboku-to is a Japanese herbal formula that is commonly used to treat asthma. Saiboku-to has been approved by the Japanese Health Ministry for the treatment of asthma. Saiboku-to has shown to decrease asthmatic inflammation in numerous trials as compared to placebo.

• Saiboku-to contains bupleurum, hoelen, pinellia, magnolia, Asian ginseng, Asian skullcap, licorice, perilla, ginger and jujube. The combination of herbs is thought to have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects.

Theory/Evidence

• Saiboku-to has been approved by the Japanese Health Ministry for the treatment of asthma. Saiboku-to has shown to decrease asthmatic inflammation in numerous trials as compared to placebo. One trial found that saiboku-to affected platelet-activating factor. The platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a chemical mediator responsible for allergic and inflammatory responses. This study showed that patients who took this herb had significant decreases in the asthmatic inflammation they had previously suffered from. This suggests a possible mechanism of action for the herb.

• There are also reports of saiboku-to being used for bronchitis, however, there is little evidence suggesting saiboku-to suggest any anti-infective properties.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

• Taking saiboku-to and steroids together may increase the effects of steroids. This interaction was reported with the concurrent use of prednisolone and siaboku-to. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decision regarding herbal supplements.

Author Information

• This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Naito A, Satoh H, Sekizawa K. Asthma as well as anxiety improved by the Kampo extract Saiboku-to. Eur J Intern Med. 2005 Dec;16(8):621. View Abstract

2. Nakamura T, Kuriyama M, Kosuge E, et al. Effects of saiboku-to (TJ-96) on the production of platelet-activating factor in human neutrophils. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1993 Jun 23;685:572-9. View Abstract

3. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com