hochuekkitou

Hochuekkitou is a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, derived from the Chinese formula Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, which is composed of ten medicinal herbs: Astragalus root, Atractylodes rhizome, Ginseng root, Japanese Angelica root, Citrus unshiu peel, Jujube, Bupleurum root, Glycyrrhiza, Cimicifuga rhizome, and Ginger. It is traditionally used to treat "Qi deficiency," a state characterized by fatigue, loss of appetite, and general malaise. In modern clinical research, Hochuekkitou is investigated for its immunomodulatory effects, particularly its ability to stimulate cytokine production and enhance natural killer cell activity. It is also studied for its potential to improve nutritional status and alleviate cachexia in patients with chronic wasting diseases, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The formulation is regulated as a pharmaceutical drug in Japan and is often used as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs to improve quality of life and respiratory function.

Brand names

Tsumura HochuekkitouKracie HochuekkitouKotaro Hochuekkitou

Other names

Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-TangHochu-ekki-toBuzhong Yiqi Tang