Abstract
When a Kampo formula does not have a strong enough effect, combining it with a small dose of Aconiti Tuber (hereinafter AT) considerably enhances the effect.
Case 1: Xiao-chai-hu-tang-he-Dang-gui-shao-yao-san had been prescribed to a 22-year-old female patient for discoid lupus erythematosus. Upon combining 1g of AT with the Xiao-chai-hu-tang-he-Dang-gui-shao-yao-san, her erythema disappeared in 6 weeks. Case 2: Dang-gui-shao-yao-san+Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang had been prescribed to a 25-year-old female for acne vulgaris. Upon combining 1g of AT with the Dang-gui-shao-yao-san+Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang, her acne healed in 8 weeks. Case 3: Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang had been prescribed to a 44-year-old male for fatigue and slight fever of unknown cause. Upon combining 2g of AT with the Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang his suffering was relieved in 6 weeks.
This enhancement might occur as a result of a synergistic effect. To verify this, the author collected the formulas to which AT had successfully been added, as detailed in patients' charts and Kampo classics, and then analyzed them by means of Kampo diagnosis and etiology.
The analysis showed that AT was utilized nonselectively for various symptoms. A small amount of AT manifests no potency of its own but enhances the potency of the coexisting ingredients, so its use may be appropriate for a variety of symptoms.
In conclusion, AT has two modes of action. In smaller doses, as is the case elucidated above, it enhances the effects of Kampo formulas. In intermediate or larger doses, as Si-ni-tang, it acts as a heat-medicine.
