Inhibition of compound action potentials in the frog sciatic nerve by inchinkoto, a traditional Japanese medicine used for oral mucositis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicines used to treat oral mucositis on nerve conduction.

Methods: The effects of Kampo medicines, crude drugs, and chemical compounds on compound action potentials (CAPs) were analyzed using extracellular recordings in frog sciatic nerves.

Results: Among the Kampo medicines, inchinkoto demonstrated the most significant reduction in CAP amplitude, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 5.4 mg/mL. Hangeshashinto, shosaikoto, hochuekkito, and juzentaihoto also showed a significant reduction. Regarding inchinkoto, Artemisiae Capillari Spica (artemisia) was the most effective crude drug, with an IC₅₀ of 4.2 mg/mL for CAP amplitude reduction, whereas Gardeniae Fructus (gardenia) exerted no significant effect. However, the combined use of artemisia and gardenia reduced the CAP amplitude more effectively than artemisia alone, indicating a synergistic interaction. The chemical ingredient eugenol from artemisia administered at 1 and 3 mmol/L reduced CAP amplitude, whereas other chemical ingredients administered at 0.1 and 1 mmol/L had no significant effects.

Conclusions: Inchinkoto exhibited the most effective reduction in CAP amplitude in the sciatic nerve of frogs, primarily through the action of artemisia, with potential synergistic interaction between artemisia and gardenia.

Keywords: Artemisia capillaris flower; Compound action potential; Frog sciatic nerve; Inchinkoto; Kampo medicines.