Effects of the zhikuofang on the inflammation and cytostatics of the airway model of bronchiectasis

Wan YG, Cao SH, Bi jj, Zhu YH, Zhou Y, Zhou M
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the effects of Zhikuofang, a TCM prescription, and Ofloxacin on the inflammation and cytostatics of the airway model of bronchiectasis.
METHOD:
The airway model of bronchiectasis (AMB) was set up and infused with Ps. Aeruginosa. A comparison between the effects of Zhikuofang and Of loxacin on the AMB was made.
RESULT:

Zhikuofang is better than Ofloxacin in following aspects: lowering the density of inflammation cells in blood, decreasing the volume of tracheal secretion and inhibiting the cytostatics (IL-8 and TNF-alpha) of the trachea tissue, but Ofloxacin is more effective in diminishing the amount of bacteria in trachea flushing liquor. There was no marked difference between them in their histopathy effects on the trachea.
CONCLUSION:
Zhikuofang probably plays antiphlogistic and bacteriostatic effects by inhibiting the IL-8 and TNF-alpha, resisting secretion, decreasing the inflammation cells and resisting inflammation of trachea.
(Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Feb;27(2):139-43. Chinese) ​

*기관지확장증에서 비결핵항산균 관리는 중요합니다.

A case of pulmonary Mycobacterium fortuitum infection successfully treated with Kampo treatments

Nogami T, Sekiya N, Mitsuma T, Yamaguci T
Department of Japanese Oriental (Kampo) Medicine, Aso-Iizuka Hospital.
Abstract
A 72-year-old male was referred to our hospital in August 2001 for his pulmonary M. fortuitum infection. His symptoms were coughing, pyrexia, hemoptysis, general malaise, and insomnia. He had been suffering from these symptoms since 1982, though the intensive anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy such as three-drug (RFP, SM, and INH), twice two-drug (KM and SM and cycloserine and enviomycin) and four-drug (CAM, EB, RFP, and KM) regimens were administered for 26 months from July 1999. His symptoms tentatively improved after chemotherapy, but soon recurred with smear positive sputum. We decided to withdraw all antibacterial agents to treat him with decoction of Ninjinyoueito according to the diagnostics Kampo medical science in September 2001. After this prescription, his subjective symptoms gradually improved, and ten months later his sputum converted to smear negative. Because of recurrence of his general malaise in August 2002, we replaced the Ninjinyoueito by Seishoekkito, based on the Kampo diagnostics. His physical conditions remained good until 2005. In addition, the sputum smear examination maintain the level below +/-. We evaluate that Kampo (Chinese traditional medicine) treatment resulted in favorable response. Though it is not common to prescribe Kampo-medicine for intractable infectious diseases, we believe that Kampo-medicine is effective in some cases associated with host defense mechanisms.
(Kekkaku. 2006 Aug;81(8):525-9. Japanese)​