2014 Volume 60 Issue 6 Pages 552-558
Yokukansan is a formulation containing 15% Uncariae Uncis Cum Ramulus, 10% Bupleuri Radix, 15% Cnidii Rhizoma, 15% Angelicae Radix, 20% Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma, 20% Poria and 7% Glycyrrhizae Radix. In addition to its well-established actions on serotonin and glutamate nerve systems, various other effects including suppression of nerve cell excitation, dose-dependent control of brain cell degeneration and protection of nerve sheaths have gradually been elucidated, among which its effectiveness on neuropathic pain has also been evidenced in basic research. In recent years, its wide spectrum of efficacy has given rise to increased use for neuropathic pain along with more conventional applications, such as for treating children’s night cry and symptoms of dementia. Although yokukansan is an easy-to-use formulation, even for elderly patients, care must be taken for the complication of hypokalemia.
