Juzentaihoto

Juzentaihoto is an herbal medicine, known as Kampo in Japan. Kampo medicines were developed based on centuries of use in the Chinese Traditional Medicine system, which the Japanese doctors use along with allopathic drugs. Juzentaihoto has been traditionally used as a nourishing agent in patients in weakened conditions, such as from chronic illnesses or recovery period post-surgery, and to correct imbalances in the body and maintain stability (homeostasis). Recently, Juzentaihoto has begun to be used as an adjunct in cancer treatment.

Juzentaihoto is an herbal product that contains extracts from the roots and rhizomes of nine different plants and a mushroom, in a standardized ratio. The ten extracts are Angelicae radix, Poria, Rehmanniae radix, Ginseng radix, Cinnamomi cortex, Paeoniae radix, Astragali radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Cnidii rhizome, and Atractylodis lanceae rhizome. Originally Kampo medicines such as Juzentaihoto were taken as a soluble extract in hot water, but now Juzentaihoto is available as granules that are convenient to take.

The ten herbs in Juzentaihoto contain many therapeutic substances that are believed to be beneficial to health. Studies indicate Juzentaihoto enhances innate immunity, increases antibody production when administered along with influenza vaccination, has antitumor activity, and mitigates the deleterious effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, reducing their toxic and bone marrow suppressing effects.

The suggested uses of Juzentaihoto include:

• Treatment of symptoms associated with weakened conditions such as post-surgery recovery and chronic illnesses including:
  • General weakness
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling ill (malaise)
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry or scaly skin
  • Loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • Night sweats
  • Pallor
• Enhancement of innate and acquired immune response
• Increasing antibody production in response to flu vaccine
• Slowing down cancer growth
• Increasing immune response against tumor cells including:
  • Enhancement of proliferation and activity of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells
  • Production of proinflammatory proteins (cytokines)
  • Destruction of harmful particles (phagocytosis)
  • Antibody production
• Mitigation of harmful side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer

Warnings

• Do not use Juzentaihoto if you are hypersensitive to any component of the formulation.
• Do not administer Juzentaihoto to children.

Common side effects of Juzentaihoto include:

• Rash
• Hives (urticaria)
• Redness (erythema)
• Itching (pruritus)
• Loss of appetite
• Gastric discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Rare side effects of Juzentaihoto include:

• Symptoms of pseudoaldosteronism such as:
  • Hand stiffness
  • Edema of face and limbs
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Reduced urine output
• Muscle disease (myopathy) symptoms that can include:
  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramp
  • Numbness of limbs
• Liver disorder symptoms such as:
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Fatigue

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

There is insufficient scientific information to know what might be the appropriate dosages for Juzentaihoto.

Suggested dosing:

Granules

Adults:

• 7.5 g a day orally in 2 or 3 divided doses before or between meals. The dosage may be adjusted according to age, body weight and symptoms

Overdose

There is no information available on Juzentaihoto overdose. Overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• There is no information available on interactions of Juzentaihoto with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is no reliable information on the safety of Juzentaihoto use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid use.
• Do not take any herbal product, including Juzentaihoto, without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Take Juzentaihoto exactly as per label instructions. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal product, including Juzentaihoto, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are on any regular medication.
• Herbal products contain many ingredients. Check the label for components when you choose your Juzentaihoto product.
• Juzentaihoto is an herbal product and is not regulated by the FDA. Juzentaihoto products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents. Some products may be contaminated. Exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store Juzentaihoto safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control.