Traditional Japanese Medicine Hochuekkito Shows Promise in Treating Fatigue in Long COVID Patients

Medical News: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people worldwide have struggled with lingering symptoms even after recovering from the initial infection. One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of long COVID is general fatigue, which can persist for months or even years. Patients suffering from this condition often find it challenging to return to their daily routines, impacting their work, social life, and overall well-being.


Traditional Japanese Medicine Hochuekkito Shows Promise in Treating Fatigue in Long COVID Patients

Despite the growing number of cases, treatment options remain limited. However, researchers from Okayama University in Japan have turned to Kampo medicine, a form of traditional Japanese medicine, to explore potential remedies. A specific herbal formulation known as Hochuekkito has drawn significant interest due to its historical use in boosting energy levels and improving overall health.
 
This Medical News report highlights the findings of a recent exploratory pilot study conducted to evaluate whether Hochuekkito could alleviate fatigue in long COVID patients.
 
The Study and Its Approach
Researchers from Okayama University, including the Department of General Medicine and the Clinical & Educational Center for Kampo Medicine at Okayama University Hospital, conducted a single-center exploratory study to analyze the effects of Hochuekkito on fatigue in long COVID patients.
 
The study included 20 patients who had experienced persistent fatigue after recovering from COVID-19. These participants, aged 18 years and older, visited the long COVID specialized outpatient clinic at Okayama University Hospital and were prescribed Hochuekkito for eight weeks. Their fatigue levels were assessed using a standardized fatigue assessment scale before and after the treatment.
 
The goal was to track the progression of fatigue symptoms over time and determine whether Hochuekkito could provide any measurable relief.
 
Key Findings: Does Hochuekkito Work?
The study revealed promising results. At the start of the research, the average fatigue assessment scale (FAS) score among participants was 35.9. After eight weeks of taking Hochuekkito, this score decreased to 31.2, showing a significant trend toward improvement. The difference of 4.7 points suggests that the herbal remedy might be beneficial in reducing general fatigue in long COVID patients.
 
Although this was a small-scale study, these findings align with previous research that has suggested Hochuekkito may have fatigue-relieving properties. The results indicate that Kampo medicine could serve as an alternative or complementary approach to managing long-term COVID-related fatigue.
 
What is Hochuekkito and How Does It Work?
Hochuekkito is a well-known herbal formula in Kampo medicine, composed of ten medicinal herbs that work together to boost immunity, enhance energy levels, and improve over all well-being. Each herb in the formulation has specific properties that contribute to its effectiveness in managing fatigue and restoring balance to the body.
 
Detailed Breakdown of Hochuekkito’s Herbal Constituents and Their Properties
 
-Ginseng (Panax ginseng) – A well-known adaptogen that enhances stamina, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function. It has been traditionally used to combat fatigue and boost overall vitality.
 
-Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) – Helps strengthen the immune system, increases resistance to infections, and promotes energy production by enhancing cellular metabolism.
 
-Atractylodes Rhizome (Atractylodes lancea) – Supports digestion and helps regulate the body's fluid balance. It is commonly used to treat weakness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders.
 
-Japanese Angelica Root (Angelica acutiloba) – Enhances blood circulation and strengthens the body’s natural defenses. It is often used in Kampo medicine to address chronic fatigue and post-illness recovery.
 
-Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) – A powerful antioxidant that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality, which is essential for recovery from fatigue.
 
-Citrus Unshiu Peel (Citrus reticulata) – Aids digestion, boosts metabolism, and enhances nutrient absorption, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels.
 
-Bupleurum Root (Bupleurum falcatum) – Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, this herb is often used to relieve stress and prevent exhaustion.
 
-Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) – Supports adrenal function, helping the body manage stress. It also enhances the effects of other herbs in the formulation.
 
-Cimicifuga Rhizome (Cimicifuga foetida) – Has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, often used in traditional medicine to address chronic pain and fatigue-related conditions.
 
-Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Stimulates circulation and digestion, providing a warming effect that helps combat fatigue and sluggishness.
 
Why This Study Matters
Long COVID continues to be a pressing global health issue, affecting millions of people. While there is still no standardized treatment for long-term fatigue caused by COVID-19, the findings from this study offer hope. Hochuekkito presents a natural and potentially effective option for managing fatigue without the side effects associated with conventional medications.
 
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices. Kampo medicine, which has been used for centuries in Japan, continues to gain recognition for its potential role in treating complex conditions like long COVID.
 
Limitations and Future Research
Despite the encouraging findings, the researchers acknowledge some limitations. The study was conducted on a small group of patients from a single medical center, which means the results may not be universally applicable. Additionally, there was no control group for comparison, making it difficult to rule out the possibility that participants’ fatigue levels improved naturally over time.
 
To confirm the effectiveness of Hochuekkito, larger randomized controlled trials are needed. Future research should also explore the long-term effects of this herbal remedy and whether it can be combined with other treatments for even greater benefits.
 
Conclusion
The study suggests that Hochuekkito may help alleviate fatigue in long COVID patients, offering a promising avenue for those struggling with persistent post-viral exhaustion. With its unique blend of herbal ingredients, Hochuekkito provides a holistic approach to restoring energy and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
 
As scientists continue to explore alternative therapies for long COVID, Kampo medicine could play a significant role in providing relief to affected individuals. Patients interested in trying Hochuekkito should consult healthcare professionals to ensure its suitability for their specific condition.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/4/1391
 
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