Title:Effects of Yokukansan, a Japanese Kampo Medicine for Symptoms Associated Autism Spectrum Disorder
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Rei Wake, Tsuyoshi Miyaoka, Motohide Furuya, Sadayuki Hashioka and Jun Horiguchi
Affiliation:Department of Psychiatry, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enyacho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan.
Keywords:Autism spectrum disorder, irritability, Yokukansan.
Abstract:A neuropsychiatric syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is qualified via impairments
in qualitative communication, social interaction, and stereotyped or restricted, repetitive patterns
of behavior, interests, or activities. While all ASDs are considered to have qualitative deficits in
social relatedness to others, many people with ASDs have other symptoms, including irritability
(which includes aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums). In order to decrease these behaviors, it is often
helpful to make use of behavioral therapy. In addition, due to the intensity and severity of irritability, adjunctive medications
are sometimes needed. Although many of the adjunctive medications have been tested and demonstrated to be useful
in treating ASD, no clear standardized treatment has emerged. While the adjunctive medications have shown efficacy, the
associated side effects have proven to be a barrier to their accepted use. A traditional Japanese medicine, Yokukansan
(YKS), is composed of seven kinds of dried herbs and is widely clinically prescribed for treating psychiatric disorders by
acting mainly on the glutamatergic and serotonergic nervous systems. YKS may be safe and useful in treating dementia
patients’ behavioral and psychological symptoms according to indications from recent studies. We introduce in this review,
the ameliorative effects of YKS on Asperger's disorder in open-label studies and on ASDs including pervasive developmental
disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). This review will suggest that YKS is well tolerated and effective
for the treatment for subjects with ASD who have severe hyperactivity/noncompliance and irritability/agitation. Additionally,
the serotonergic, glutamatergic, anti-inflammatory and neurogenesis effects are explored which are thought to be
involved in the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of YKS.
