Kampo Herbal Formulas in Japan
Generally, Kampo formulations are extracts of herbal formulations and prepared as described in the classical Kampo literature (Motoo, 2008; Motoo et al., 2009, 2011). The struggle to implement randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Kampo medicines has frequently been accredited to the usage of Kampo diagnosis. Because high-quality good manufacturing practice-based extracts of Kampo formulas for ethical use have been prescribed in RCTs, the reproducibility of RCT results has been very high. Kampo is used in a Western-style medical system in Japan; and the medical doctors who are educated in Western medicine, but have basic knowledge of Kampo, prescribe it. It is mandatory for doctors, not by law, but as professionals, to have a basic knowledge of the indications for each Kampo formulation when prescribing, along with the knowledge of Western medical diagnosis. In 2011, 52% of Japanese medical doctors prescribed Kampo formulations based on Western medicine, 32% on Western medicine considering Kampo diagnosis, 10% on both Western medicine and Kampo medicine, and 6% on Kampo diagnosis, according to a survey by the Japan Kampo Medicines Manufacturers Association.
