Effects of Sai-rei-to in the treatment of facial nerve paralysis

Abstract

Sai-rei-to is believed to have steroid-like properties, and is often used to reduce the amount of steroids prescribed to patients. In facial nerve paralysis, steroids are often used to reduce the amount of edema in the area of the damaged nerve. We have noted Sai-rei-to's steroid-like properties, and thus investigated whether recovery from facial nerve paralysis can be explained when this drugs is used in combination with steroid during periods when the dosage of the steroid is being reduced. Moreover, we administered Sai-rei-to to those patients unable to receive steroids due to complications in order to assess whether it can produce effects similar to steroids. In patients with facial nerve paralysis, we provided a regular intravenous drip and administered the steroids orally, and then used Tsumura Sai-rei-to in combination during those periods of steroid reduction. This regimen increased the rate of improvement from the paralysis. We also gave Sairei-to to patients suffering from steroid-related complications during the course of their treatment, and observed remarkable improvements thereafter.