Effectiveness of the Kampo kami-shoyo-san (TJ-24) for tremor of antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kampo medication kami-shoyo-san against tremor due to antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism. Kami-shoyo-san consists of several medicinal herbs that are known in traditional Chinese medicine to be effective in treating Parkinson's disease and convulsions. We gave kami-shoyo-san to eight patients at Higashiowari National Hospital who were exhibiting tremor, a symptom of antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism. The tremor was evaluated on a five-point scale before and after the administration of kami-shoyo-san, and the findings were compared statistically. The results showed a stastistically significant reduction in the tremor after the administration of kami-shoyo-san (P < 0.01), with 62.5% of patients showing an improvement of one point or more. The tremor did not worsen in any of the patients, and none complained of side-effects. Thus, kami-shoyo-san appears to be effective against the tremor from parkinsonism. Kami-shoyo-san consists of 10 medicinal herbs, including Radix Bulpleuri, Radix Paeoniae, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and Radix Glycyrrhizae, which are effective in treating disturbances in muscular movement according to TCM theory. Of the 10 herbs contained in kami-shoyo-san, we believe the abovementioned ones are particularly effective in helping to reduce the tremor associated with parkinsonism.