Take 4 tablets Three Times Daily. 180 tablets per bottle: two-week supply. A two month course of treatment and review is recommended. Results vary by individual. There are reports that people feel a significant boost in energy within the first month of usage. In general, Japanese physicians recommend their patients to take this formula for 6-12 months. For chronic liver damage, can be taken for even a longer period of time. In the on-going clinical trial physicians are giving their patients 7.5g/day of Sho-saiko-to (granules) for one year. May offer a solution for interferon non-responders.

Liver Kampo, Sho-saiko-to, SST, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Minor Buplureum Decoction are all names of the same famous Chinese herbal formula, first recorded in the classic herbal text "Treatise on Febrile Diseases Caused by Cold" (shang han lun).  Today almost 2,ooo years later it remains one of the most useful and most prescribed herbal formula in the world. Treating a wide range of liver and Gallbladder disorders.  This classical formula is comprised of Bupleurum Root, Pinellia Tuber, Ginger, Scutellaria Root, Jujube, Ginseng and Licorice. The same formula of herbs as in the studies listed below. The difference in our presentations: Liver Kampo, is a tablet, SST, is a capsule same formula just stronger dosage and better absorbed than the tablets. H09 Sho-saiko-to is in granular form, in a stronger dosage and offers the best absorption (except for liquids, considered the highest in bio-availability). All three presentations are manufactured by HONSO. We do our own liquid extracts.

HONSO is a respected Japanese evidence based oriental medicine company who produces Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (Kampo). Kampo has been an intergal part of Japanese health care for over 900 years. In Japan only licensed medical doctors may prescribe Kampo herbs. Additionally Japanese insurance companies cover the cost of these herbal prescriptions. There is emerging scientific evidence that Sho-saiko-to may benefit patients with hepatitis (a western defined disorder) say researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Phase II studies include;

New York Trail: Sho-saiko-to for patients with chronic hepatitis C who are intolerant to or have contraindication to Interferon-based therapy.

San Diego Trial: Safety and Tolerability of Sho-saiko-to in Patients with Compensated Cirrhosis due to Chronic HCV Infection.

LITERATURE SUMMARY AND CRITIQUE

Oka H, et al. Prospective study of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma with Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9). Cancer 1995;76:743-9.
Two hundred and sixty patients with cirrhosis were randomized using age, sex, heptitis B antigen status and liver function strata to treatment with Sho-saiko-to or control. Patients were followed for 5 years with bimonthly alpha-fetopretein measurement and quarterly ultrasonography. Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnoses were confirmed by angiography, computed tomography and, where indicated, biopsy. Sho-saiko-to led to a one-third reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (23% vs 34%) and a 40% reduction in death (24% vs 40%). Analysis of this data suggests that Sho-saiko-to has multifactorial action, both reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and acting as a hepatoprotective agent.

In Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (my area of expertise) this formula is one of the most popular perscribed herbal formulas. It treats a wide-range of disorders mainly used to harmonize the body in what is termed Shao Yang Disorders.

Most Shao yang disorders when treated properply resolve quickly, usually within one month. In the clinical trials stated above long term use of the herbs were presecribed and monitored. Traditinally overuse of this formula may injure the Qi and cause headache, dizziness and bleeding of the gums. In the studed quoted above Women who are nursing or pregnant and patients currently undergoing interferon treatment should not take Sho-saiko-to. Sho-saiko-to related pneumonitis (which may be fatal) has been reported in 74 patients (approximately 1 in 20,000).

Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Theoretically, SST may cause additive effects when administered concurrently. Interferon: Concurrent use may increase the risk of interstitial pneumonitis.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Some ingredients, such as ginseng and licorice, may potentiate activity of MAOIs.

Additional Information