Abstract
Pharmacological properties attributed to Panacis Japonici Rhizoma (PJR) in Chinese medicine in Japan in terms of its usage as a drug for gastroenteric disorders, antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and antiinflammatory drug, were studied. Chikusetsusaponin III was especially remarkable as it had antipyretic, antitussive, expectorative and antiedemic activities, increased intestinal motility, and prevented stress ulcers. Chikusetsusaponin IV showed expectorative action, protection against stress ulcers and acceleration of intestinal motility. Chikusetsusaponin V showed antiedemic activity. The substance giving protective effect against gastric secretion was found in the butanol layer but was not recognized in the saponins. Increased effect of intestinal motility was recognized in aqueous extract.
