Japanese Kampo Doctors' Treatment of Bronchial Asthma—Prescriptions, September 15, 1995

Japanese Kampo Doctors' Treatment of Bronchial Asthma—Prescriptions, September 15, 1995

Recent research on bronchial asthma has shown that this condition arises from multiple factors acting on various types of cells. When these cells are stimulated, they release a variety of inflammatory mediators, which then act on target cells in the respiratory tract, causing spasm of the airway smooth muscle, increased vascular permeability, thickening of the mucosa, and edema. Historically, treatment for asthma has focused solely on regulating sympathetic nervous system mediators. Drugs such as ephedrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, Chuan Sou Ping, and Chuan Xin Ning all fall into this category, essentially involving α- and β-adrenergic agonists and cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the effects of these drugs are only temporary; long-term use can actually increase airway hypersensitivity, exacerbate asthma symptoms, raise the incidence of cor pulmonale, and increase mortality. Japanese scholars have achieved remarkable results by using modified Da Chai Hu Tang, Shenmi Tang, Chaihu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang with Fu Ling added, and Aconite preparations to treat this condition, while significantly overcoming the aforementioned shortcomings.

① Modified Da Chai Hu Tang: Yoshio Ma井 applied Da Chai Hu Tang combined with Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, and Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang with ginger and star anise, treating nine cases of this disease. The results were five markedly effective cases, four effective cases, and one slightly effective case. He believed that the key to using this formula lies in the application of expectorant herbs.

② Shenmi Tang: Keigo Nakata selected this formula: Ephedra, Su Ye, Ju Pi, Chaihu, Hou Pu, and Gan Cao. This formula comes from the Japanese book "Do Not Mistake the Medicine Room Prescription Mnemonic," which states: "Chronic cough, wheezing, inability to sit or lie down, gurgling sounds in the throat, and suffocation." Nakata believed this formula treats the syndrome of Ma Xing Gan Cao combined with Chaihu Su Xing, namely irritability, wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and nervousness. (Ephedra Tang plus Su Hou Chai, named Shenmi Japan came.)

③ Chaihu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang with Fu Ling: Tetsuo Akiba introduced Chaihu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang with Fu Ling, explaining: "In Shang Han Lun, if someone sweats and feels thirsty, Wu Ling San is the primary treatment; if they are not thirsty, Fu Ling Gan Cao Tang is the primary treatment." (Shang Han Lun)

④ Aconite preparations: Ito analyzed the role of aconite preparations in treating bronchial asthma. He often used aconite to treat refractory asthma, and adding aconite to Fu Ling Si Ni Tang, Ba Wei Wan, and Chi Wan often proved effective.