Maoto

Maoto (also known as Mao-to or Ma-huang-tang) is a traditional Japanese Kampo herbal medicine composed of four botanical ingredients: Ephedrae herba (Chinese ephedra stem), Armeniacae semen (apricot kernel), Cinnamomi cortex (Chinese cassia bark), and Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice root). It has been included in Japan's national health insurance system for over four decades, primarily for the treatment of influenza and upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, Maoto has been investigated as a potential therapy for COVID-19, including post-exposure prophylaxis and the management of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections in immunocompromised patients. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to active compounds such as ephedrine, glycyrrhizin, and amygdalin, which work synergistically to inhibit viral entry and replication while modulating the host's inflammatory response.

Brand names

Tsumura MaotoKracie MaotoKotaro Maoto

Other names

Mao-toMa-huang-tangMahuang-tang