Therapeutic Effects of Saireito (Chai-Ling-Tang), a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, on Lymphedema Caused by Radiotherapy: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Despite the development of radiotherapy machines and technologies, a proportion of patients suffer from radiation-induced lymphedema. Saireito (SRT) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has been used for treating edema and inflammation in conditions such as nephritic disease. This study investigated the effect of SRT on lymphedema caused by radiotherapy. Four patients were treated with SRT at a dose of 9 g/day. The severity of lymphedema was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4 and Numerical Rating Scale before and after SRT treatment. After the treatment with SRT, 2 of 4 patients (50%) showed apparent improvement in lymphedema. One of the cases had difficulty in wearing the custom-made thermoplastic cast, but after SRT administration, he could wear the mask easily. One case decided to stop taking SRT 3 days after initiation because cough and fever appeared. In conclusion, it is important to control the side effects of radiotherapy, which leads to improved tumor control rates. Prospective randomized studies are necessary to confirm the findings of this case series study.

Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Study

“…Bandage changes and expensive compression hosiery drain the available resources. Well-documented, promising, and inexpensive methods from alternative medicine are still needed [ 9 – 13 ].…”

Feasibility study on the effectiveness of Goreisan‐based Kampo therapy for lower abdominal lymphedema after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy via extraperitoneal approach

“…Kampo therapy has already been used for lymphedema in Japan, [2][3][4][5]19 because such therapy is expected to become a new treatment modality for diseases that are refractory to various treatments including western medicines. 20 The advantages of Kampo therapy include few adverse reactions because formulations mainly consist of natural crude drug extracts and the ability to treat diverse conditions due to mechanisms of actions that are not available with western drugs.…”

“…Kampo medicines (Chinese herbal medicines) have been traditionally used in Japan, with Goreisan (Wu Ling San), Saireito (Chai Ling Tang), and Goshajinkigan (Niu Che Shen Qi Wan) being reported to have anti-edema effects, and these agents are employed for the management of lymphedema following surgery. [2][3][4][5] There is accumulating evidence about the efficacy of Goreisan and, due to its diverse actions, it is not only used for the management of edema but also for other various diseases. 6,7 Accordingly, we conducted a feasibility study for investigation into the efficacy and safety of Goreisan-based Kampo therapy for lower abdominal lymphedema in patients undergoing radical surgery for endometrial cancer or cervical cancer.…”

The Effectiveness of Saireito, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, in Reducing Postoperative Edema after Acquired Ptosis Surgery: A Prospective Controlled Trial

“…The Japanese herbal medicine Saireito is a combination of two herbal medicines (Shosaikoto and Goreisan) that is used to treat inflammatory diseases as well as autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome [ 4 – 7 ]. Saireito has also been demonstrated to be effective in treating edema after total hip arthroplasty and lymphedema after radiotherapy [ 8 , 9 ]. In addition, it has been reported to have antifibrotic properties; thus, it is useful for the treatment of fibrosis or hypertrophic scars [ 10 , 11 ].…”