Effect of Kampo formulations (traditional Chinese medicine) on circulatory parameters

The pharmacological actions of six Kampo formulations on circulatory and autonomic nervous systems were studied. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), cardiacindex (CI), total peripheral resistance (TPR) were nonivasively measured. Mao-to induced an increase of BP, HR, SV, CO and CI, but a decrease of TPR. Keishi induced an increase of SBP and SV, while Shimotsu induced an increase of DBP and MBP. HR was slowed after oral administration of Shigyaku-san. Shimbu-to and Shimotsu-to induced sympathetic activity suppression, while Mao-to and Shigyaku-san showed a tendency of parasympathomimetic action.