Preventive effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (Sho-saiko-to) on endotoxin-induced cytotoxicity and tumor necrosis factor-α production in J774a.1 cells

Abstract

Sho-saiko-to, one of the most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines, is used clinically to treat chronic hepatitis and has shown confirmed clinical efficacy. The present study investigated whether Sho-saiko-to can suppress cytotoxicity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in endotoxin-treated J774A.1 cells. Sho-saiko-to (10-20 μg/ml) did not affect the proliferation of J774A.1 cells, while a high concentration (50 μg/ml) of Shosaiko-to induced a slight reduction in cell viability. Treatment with Sho-saiko-to (10-50 μg/ml) significantly inhibited endotoxin (10 μg/ml)-induced cytotoxicity in J774A.1 cells. In addition, Sho-saiko-to (20 μg/ml) suppressed TNF-α production by endotoxin (1 μg/ml)-activated J774A.1 cells. These findings suggest that the Kampo prescription Sho-saiko-to suppresses cytotoxicity or TNF-α production in macrophages treated with endotoxin and that it may be useful in improving septic shock symptoms. Sho-saiko-to may therefore protect against some of the various disturbances caused by endotoxins through its ability to inhibit TNF-α production in septic shock. © 2004 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.