The effects of goshajinkigan, a herbal medicine, on subjective symptoms and vibratory threshold in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract

Goshajinkigan, a herbal medicine, has long been used in Japan to alleviate the subjective symptoms of diabetic neuropathy; however, its effects have not been confirmed objectively. We evaluated its effects on subjective symptoms and on vibration sensation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The oral administration of 7.5 g/day of Goshajinkigan for 3 months (treatment period) relieved subjective symptoms of numbness in 9 of 13 patients. When the drug was discontinued for 2 months as a washout period, the subjective symptom worsened in 7 of 13 patients. Chi-square analysis revealed significant effects of Goshajiniagan on subjective symptoms (P < 0.001 for numbness and P < 0.05 for cold sensation). Vibration sensation was evaluated by measuring vibratory threshold using an SMV-5 vibrometer. There were significant changes in vibratory thresholds by paired t-test (P < 0.05) both in the upper and the lower extremities during the treatment and washout periods. Chi-square analysis also revealed a significant effect of Goshajinkigan on vibratory threshold (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in glycosylated hemoglobin as a whole during the study. These observations confirm that Goshajinkigan relieves subjective symptoms and demonstrate that it improves vibration sensation in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

• Authors: M Tawata, A Kurihara, K Nitta, E Iwase, N Gan, T Onaya
• Journal: Diabetes research and clinical practice (Diabetes Res Clin Pract) Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 121-8 (Dec 16 1994) ISSN: 0168-8227 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 7705193 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Aged
• Chi-Square Distribution
• Diabetic Neuropathies (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phytotherapy
• Sensory Thresholds
• Vibration