Effects of Daikenchuto on Abdominal Bloating Accompanied by Chronic Constipation: A Prospective, Single-Center Randomized Open Trial

Abstract

BackgroundDaikenchuto (DKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is widely used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of DKT for abdominal bloating in patients with chronic constipation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of DKT for the treatment of abdominal bloating.MethodsAfter discontinuing as-needed use of laxatives, 10 patients received oral DKT for 14 days (15 g/d). To evaluate small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), a glucose breath test was performed before and after treatment with DKT. Before beginning the treatment, 4 patients (40%) had a diagnosis of SIBO based on a positive glucose breath test result. In both the SIBO and non-SIBO groups, bowel movement frequency and stool form remained unchanged after DKT treatment.ResultsFor all patients, median total Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale score and the median Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale indigestion and constipation subscales were significantly decreased, whereas the median visual analog score for decreased abdominal bloating was significantly increased. Improvements of those symptoms were the same in both the SIBO and non-SIBO groups, indicating that DKT does not have effects on small intestine bacteria. No serious side effects were reported.ConclusionsDKT treatment improved quality of life for patients with chronic constipation regardless of the presence of SIBO and showed no effects on small intestine bacteria. UMIN Clinical Trial Registry identifier: UMIN000008070.

Daikenchuto (TU‐100) Suppresses Tumor Development in the Azoxymethane and APCmin/+ Mouse Models of Experimental Colon Cancer

“…Furthermore, its pharmacology, including safety and pharmacokinetics is established. The long safety record of TU-100 use for post-operative ileus and constipation (12, 14, 55, 56) together with our preclinical findings of chemopreventive efficacy of TU-100, suggest that this is a potentially promising agent to test in a clinical trial to prevent colonic polyp recurrence.…”

Efficacy and Safety of Daikenchuto for Constipation and Dose-Dependent Differences in Clinical Effects

“…DKT has been reported to be effective against constipation in specific cases, such as Parkinson's disease, pregnant women, and stroke patients [ 19 – 21 ]. Yuki et al reported that DKT significantly improves constipation and indigestion in chronic constipation based on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [ 15 ]. Thus, it can be suggested that DKT significantly improves constipation and self-evaluated indigestion.…”

“…The mechanism underlying these effects of DKT is not found in western medicine, enabling a holistic approach [ 14 ]. According to a previous report, DKT improved the self-assessment scale for constipation [ 15 ]. However, the examination was conducted only in 10 cases, and stool frequency did not increase.…”

Possible Effect of Concomitant Prokinetics and Herbal Medicines against Nausea in Patients Taking Lubiprostone

“…In the present study, we showed the possible effectiveness of concomitant herbal medicines. Daikenchuto is an herbal medicine that is effective for bloating in patients with CC, probably via action on the gut microbiota [ 11 , 12 ]. Rikkunshito is a ghrelin enhancer and is effective against upper gastrointestinal symptoms [ 13 , 14 ].…”