Adverse Effects of Kampo Medicines

Yutaka Shimada*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

This review summarizes the adverse effects of Kampo medicines. These adverse effects in terms of immunoallergic reactions include interstitial pneumonia, liver injury, allergic cystitis, and drug eruption. Many cases of interstitial pneumonia, liver injury, and allergic cystitis associated with Kampo formulas have been reported to be caused by formulas containing Scutellariae Radix (Scutellaria root, ogon). The known adverse effects linked to overdose of Kampo formulas include pseudoaldosteronism [caused by Glycyrrhizae Radix (licorice, kanzo)], sympathomimetic symptoms [caused by Ephedrae Herba (ephedra, mao)], aconite poisoning [caused by Aconiti Tuber (processed aconite root, bushi and uzu)], and diarrhea [caused by Rhei Rhizoma (rhubarb, daio)]. In recent years, mesenteric phlebosclerosis caused by the long-term administration of Gardeniae Fructus (gardenia fruit, sanshishi) has also been reported. It is necessary to consider these potential adverse effects when prescribing Kampo medicines in clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-35
Number of pages7
JournalInternal Medicine
Volume61
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Adverse effect
  • Interstitial pneumonia
  • Kampo medicines
  • Liver injury
  • Mesenteric phlebosclerosis
  • Pseudoaldosteronism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

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