The traditional Chinese herbal medicine
Sho-saiko-to is a mixture of seven
herbal preparations that has long been used in the treatment of chronic
liver disease. Various clinical trials have shown that
Sho-saiko-to protects against the development of
hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. However, the mechanism by which
Sho-saiko-to protects hepatocytes against hepatic
fibrosis and
carcinoma is not yet known. Basic science studies have demonstrated that
Sho-saiko-to reduces hepatocyte
necrosis and enhances liver function.
Sho-saiko-to significantly inhibits hepatic
fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of stellate cells, the major producers of
collagen in the liver, as well as by inhibiting hepatic lipid peroxidation, promoting matrix degradation, and suppressing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Furthermore, clinical trials have shown that
Sho-saiko-to lowers the rate of
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with
cirrhosis and increases the survival of patients with HCC. Unfortunately, some case reports have shown the side effects of
Sho-saiko-to. Most of the side effects were
interstitial pneumonia and acute
respiratory failure induced by
Sho-saiko-to in Japan. As a result of analyzing these case reports, the incidence and risk are increased by co-administration of
interferon, duration of medication, and, high in an elderly population. This review discusses the properties of
Sho-saiko-to with regards to the treatment of chronic
liver diseases and suggests the side effects of
Sho-saiko-to.