Sho-Saiko-To is a Japanese herbal supplement used to improve liver health, containing ingredients such as bupleurum root, ginseng, and ginger. It is promoted as a treatment for hepatitis and immune function, but can cause negative side effects such as liver damage and pneumonitis.
Sho-Saiko-To is a Japanese herbal supplement that is reported to improve liver health. It is also known as Xiao Chai Hu Tang and minor bupleurum decoction. Sho-Saiko-To is made up of several ingredients, including bupleurum root, pinellia tuber, skullcap root, ginseng, jujube, licorice, and ginger. In Japan, this supplement is classified as a prescription drug and is commonly used in Kampo, or the Japanese form of TCM.
Sho-Saiko-To contains several active components that can promote liver health, such as baicalin, baicalein, glycyrrhizin, saikosaponins, ginsenosides, wogonin, and gingerols. Baicalin, baicelein, and wogonin are types of antioxidants called flavonoids, which herbalists say may reduce inflammation and improve liver function. Ginsenosides are the active agents in ginseng, a root vegetable that claims to improve immune system function. Although there is little evidence that ginsenosides can improve liver health, it is classified as a yin promoter in Chinese medicine, which promotes balance in the body.
Gingerol is also an active component of ginger, which is chemically similar to capsaicin and piperine, the active spicy ingredients in chili peppers. Studies suggest it may reduce rheumatoid arthritis, motion sickness, and pain associated with migraines. Other studies suggest that it can improve the immune system, preventing general feelings of illness.
Herbalists have made numerous claims about Sho-Saiko-To. In Japan, this herbal supplement is promoted as a treatment for hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver. Herbalists also claim that it can improve immune function in humans, especially those with impaired function due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It can help people receiving chemotherapy to improve their immunity against disease. In animals, Sho-Saiko-To has been shown to increase liver regeneration and prevent liver injury.
It may also be a potential treatment for ovarian cancer. Sho-Saiko-To can induce cell death in active ovarian cancer cells, which can slow or potentially prevent their growth. Although some herbalists claim that it can cure ovarian cancer, no studies have shown such an effect.
However, negative side effects have been reported with its use. Some users have reported experiencing liver damage, leading to hepatitis and slower liver function. There have also been 74 reports of inflammation of the lung tissue, or pneumonitis, a life-threatening infection. This risk is increased if it is used with interferon, a natural immune system protein used to enhance immunity to disease in humans. Women who are pregnant, or expecting to become pregnant, should also avoid its use, as it may harm the fetus.
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