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

Abstract

Background Daikenchuto (DKT) is a Kampo medicine used for the treatment of constipation. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of DKT against constipation. Patients and Methods Thirty-three patients administered DKT for constipation were selected and divided into low-dose (7.5 g DKT; n = 22) and high-dose (15 g DKT; n = 11) groups. We retrospectively evaluated weekly defaecation frequency, side effects, and clinical laboratory data. Results Median defaecation frequencies after DKT administration (5, 5.5, 5, and 8 for the first, second, third, and fourth weeks, resp.) were significantly higher than that before DKT administration (2) in all 33 cases (P < 0.01). One case (3%) of watery stool, one case of loose stools (3%), and no cases of abdominal pain (0%) were observed. Median defaecation frequencies in the high-dose group (7 and 9) were significantly higher than those in the low-dose group (4 and 3) in the first (P = 0.0133) and second (P = 0.0101) weeks, respectively. There was no significant change in clinical laboratory values. Conclusion We suggest that DKT increases defaecation frequency and is safe for treating constipation.

Efficacy and Safety of the Japanese Herbal Medicine Daikenchuto (DKT) in Elderly Fecal Incontinence Patients: A Prospective Study

“…In a prospective, randomized study evaluating an intestinal motility effect of DKT in patients after total gastrectomy reported by Akamaru et al [31], optimization of BSFS and consistency of defecation were improved. Also, reports mainly from Japan indicate that DKT increased the frequency of bowel movements regardless of dose and improved constipation in patients [32]. On the other hand, in a randomized study conducted by Iturrino et al [22] that generally examined women with chronic constipation, no improvement in bowel frequency or constipation was observed regardless of the dose.…”

Aktualisierte S2k-Leitlinie chronische Obstipation der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurogastroenterologie & Motilität (DGNM) – April 2022 – AWMF-Registriernummer: 021–019

“…Hirose et al 2018 vergleicht bei n = 33 Patienten 4 Wochen lang zwei Dosierungen Daikenchuto: 7,5 vs. 15 g 379 . Primärer Endpunkt war die Stuhlfrequenz, sie erhöhte sich von durchschnittlich 2/Woche auf 8 in Woche 4.…”