Inokawa Masae, Iguchi Keiichi, Kohda Hiroshi
Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
Hiroshima J Med Sci. 2006 Mar;55(1):1-8.
Kampo medicine has a specific concept known as "Sho", and herbal formulations are prescribed according to the "Sho". "Sho" is defined as "the decision of prescription judging from the patient's symptoms, systemic conditions and physical constitution generally". In the present study, the authors used thermography to evaluate the effects of herbal formulations based on "Sho" scientifically. In the cases that were suitable for Keishibukuryogan, the so-called Keishibukuryogan Sho, a significant skin temperature rise was observed in the upper half of the body after the intake of Keishibukuryogan. In a case that was suitable for Hochuekkito, the so-called Hochuekkito Sho, a marked elevation of skin temperature spread through the upper trunk. Thus, when individuals took herbal formulations according to the Sho, a marked skin surface temperature rise was observed. On the other hand, in a case that was not appropriate for the herbal formulation, a skin temperature rise was not observed after intake of this formulation. In an experiment that examined the role of the Keishi (Cinnamon Bark) contained in Keishibukuryogan, Keishibukuryogan acted on the abdomen including the upper part of the body, while the Keishi contained in Keishibukuryogan worked particularly on the upper part of the body. It suggested that thermography is useful for an objective evaluation of Sho in Kampo medicines, and for identification of the action site of the herbal formulation.
汉方医学有一个名为“证”的特定概念，草药配方根据“证”来开具。“证”被定义为“一般从患者的症状、全身状况和体质判断处方的依据”。在本研究中，作者使用热成像技术科学地评估基于“证”的草药配方的效果。在适合服用柴胡桂枝干姜汤的病例中，即所谓的柴胡桂枝干姜汤证，服用柴胡桂枝干姜汤后，身体上半部分观察到明显的皮肤温度升高。在一个适合服用补中益气汤的病例中，即所谓的补中益气汤证，皮肤温度显著升高蔓延至整个上半身。因此，当个体根据“证”服用草药配方时，观察到皮肤表面温度明显升高。另一方面，在一个不适合该草药配方的病例中，服用该配方后未观察到皮肤温度升高。在一项研究柴胡桂枝干姜汤中含有的桂枝作用的实验中，柴胡桂枝干姜汤作用于包括身体上部在内的腹部，而柴胡桂枝干姜汤中含有的桂枝特别作用于身体上部。这表明热成像技术有助于客观评估汉方医学中的“证”，并有助于识别草药配方的作用部位。
