Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels form a family of ligand–gated ion channels that function as molecular detectors of physical stimuli, including light, temperature, chemical and mechanical stimuli. Several TRP channels including TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 are expressed by nociceptors and play crucial roles in sensation of pain. Recently, several traditional herbal medicines (Kampo medicines) have attracted attention due to their excellent effects on management of pain in clinic. Many ingredients of these Kampo medicines could activate or inhibit TRP channels, which indicates involvement of TRP channels in analgesic action of the Kampo medicine. This review focuses on the increasing evidence of TRP channel modulation by natural compounds and try to find the molecular mechanism of Kampo medicine in treating pain disease.
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