ge-gen-tang

Ge-gen-tang (GGT), known as Kakkonto in Japanese Kampo medicine, is a traditional herbal formula composed of seven medicinal plants: Puerariae Lobatae Radix, Ephedrae Herba, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Jujubae Fructus. It is traditionally indicated for the early stages of exogenous febrile diseases, such as the common cold and influenza, characterized by fever, chills, and neck stiffness. In the context of COVID-19, GGT has been investigated for its potential to modulate the immune response and inhibit the cytokine storm by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. Its mechanism of action involves anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiviral properties, potentially interfering with viral attachment and replication while alleviating respiratory symptoms through the regulation of prostaglandin production and immune cell activity.

Brand names

KakkontoGegen Tang

Other names

Gegen-tangKakkon-toPueraria Decoction葛根湯