Systematic Review: Effects of the Kampo Formula Yokukan-San-Ka-Chimpi-Hange on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Introduction: Randomized usual-case controlled studies on Japanese dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms were conducted to examine the effects of Kampo medicine Yokukan-San (YKS) on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These studies showed that YKS is effective in treating BPSD. Yokukan-San-Ka-Chimpi-Hange is a Kampo medicine made by adding dried citrus peel and pinellia tuber to YKS. In Japan, we usually administer Yokukan-San-Ka-Chimpi-Hange as Kracie Yokukan-San-Ka-Chimpi-Hange extract granules (KB-83), produced by Kracie Pharma, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). Methods: We investigated 3 trials carried out on the use of KB-83 for the treatment of severe dementia in elderly. Results: KB-83 showed no change in core symptoms after administration in cases of dementia, but significant improvements in BPSD were reported. KB-83 was particularly effective in treating aggressive symptoms such as restlessness or abusive language. Conclusion: In the treatment of dementia, we think that the administration of KB-83 is effective in mitigating the BPSD, and that further studies are need to investigate the effects of EK-83.