Combination Therapy with Kampo and Modern Medicines in the Oral Cavity and Pharyngo-Laryngeal Diseases

Abstract

The efficacy of conventional drugs has been limited in the treatment of xerostoma, lingual pain and abnormal sensations in the throat due to psychosomatic disorders. In addition to these conventional therapies, various Kampo prescriptions have been administered to patients with uncontrollable diseases of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. For example, Bakumondo-to and Byaldcokaninjin-to have been used for the treatment of xerostomia, Oren-to for lingual pain, Saiboku-to for abnormal sensations in the throat. Furthermore, Juzen-taiho-to has also been used in cancer patients to improve their immunological status after the primary curative therapy.
The underlying mechanisms and clinical efficacy of each type of Kampo medicine were analyzed based on the pharmacological actions of each of the herbal components, and we report here our recent clinical experiences. In addition, the use of Kampo for refractory diseases and complaints resistant to conventional treatments is discussed.