J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2012 Apr;18(2):181-186.

Effects of Rikkunshito (TJ-43) on Esophageal Motor Function and Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Morita T
• Furuta K
• Adachi K
• Ohara S
• Tanimura T
• Koshino K
• Uemura T
• Naora K
• Kinoshita

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Rikkunshito (TJ-43), an herbal medicine, has been demonstrated to relieve gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. However, the effects of TJ-43 on esophageal motor functions have not been fully determined. This double-blind crossover study was performed to investigate the effects of TJ-43 on esophageal motor functions and gastroesophageal reflux.
METHODS
The subjects were 10 normal male volunteers. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal body peristaltic contractions with and without 1-week administration of TJ-43 were examined in a crossover fashion. Post-prandial gastroesophageal reflux was also determined using a multi-channel impedance pH dual monitor.
RESULTS
TJ-43 at a standard dose of 7.5 g/day did not significantly augment esophageal peristaltic contraction pressure measured in the proximal, middle and distal segments of the esophagus, whereas increment of resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure was observed in a supine position. In addition, TJ-43 administration did not decrease post-prandial gastroesophageal acid, non-acid reflux events or accelerate esophageal clearance time.
CONCLUSIONS
TJ-43 at a standard dose did not have a significant effect on esophageal motor activity or gastroesophageal reflux in healthy adults.

Keyword

Herbal medicine; Esophageal pH monitoring; Esophageal sphincter, lower; Peristalsis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Contracts
Cross-Over Studies
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
Electric Impedance
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Herbal Medicine
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Male
Motor Activity
Peristalsis
Supine Position
Drugs, Chinese Herbal