Pharmacological Effects of Hachi-mi-jio-gan Extract (Harncare^®)on the Contractile Response and on Pharmacologically Relevant Receptors in the Rat Bladder

Abstract

Hachi-mi-jio-gan extract (Harncare ; HE), a galenical produced from the traditional Chinese herbal mixture BaWei-Die-Huang-Wan, has been reported to improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients. The present study was undertaken to clarify the pharmacological eŠects of HE on smooth muscle contraction and on pharmacologically relevant (muscarinic, 1,4-DHP and purinergic) receptors in the rat bladder. Additionally, the eŠects of repeated oral treatment with HE on the hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP) and on blood biochemical values in rats were examined. HE (10 mg/ml) inhibited signiˆcantly the acetylcholine-induced contraction of isolated rat bladder strips. The pD 2 value in the absence and presence of HE (10 mg/ml) was 5.14±0.16 and 3.99±0.17, respectively. HE (0.1 to 10 mg /ml) inhibited the speciˆc binding of .23 mg/ml. Based on IC 50 values, the binding activity of HE for purinergic receptors was shown to be signiˆcantly (about 7 times) greater than that for muscarinic and 1,4-DHP receptors. Repeated oral administration of HE (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks had little or no eŠect on the level and activity of hepatic CYP or on blood biochemical values in rats. In conclusion, the present study has shown that HE exerts signiˆcant binding activity for pharmacologically relevant receptors in the rat bladder and a relaxant eŠect on the acetylcholine-induced contraction of isolated muscle strips. HE seemed to exhibit little pharmacokinetic interaction with drugs.

Comparative Study of Vasodilatation Induced by Rokumigan, Hachimijiogan, and Goshajinkigan in the Rat Aorta

“…Both drugs also resolve urinary abnormalities such as frequent urination or lower urinary tract symptoms [1,2]. Hachimijiogan relaxes acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of isolated rat bladder strips [3], while goshajinkigan has been shown to be very effective for overactive bladder (OAB) in male [4] and female patients [5], through regulation of bladder activity via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems [6] and suppression of C-fiber activation [7]. Therefore, the indications of both drugs are very similar, although goshajinkigan is relatively useful for elderly individuals suffering from low back pain and leg pain [1].…”

A galenical of traditional chinese herbal mixture (THC‐002) reduces expression of tachykinin peptides within urethras of spontaneously hypertensive rats

“…However, our study at least showed that THC‐002 decreased urethral tachykinin expression without destroying the nerve fibers. In addition, THC‐002 is known to have few side effects 19. Therefore, in clinical translational research for the abatement of post‐micturition symptoms, including terminal urine dribbling, THC‐002 has the potential to complement standard treatments for male LUTS.…”

Complementary Alternative Medicine and Therapies for Overactive Bladder Symptoms: Is There Evidence for Benefit?

“…HE exhibits its effects by binding to purinergic receptors in the bladder inhibiting ATP-related detrusor contractility. Its affinity to purinergic receptors was noted to be seven times greater than to muscarinic receptors [22]. A study by Yoshimura compared the efficacy and side effects of hachi-mi-jio-gan with tamsulosin over the course of 2 weeks in 41 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.…”