Effectiveness of herbal medicine (Rokumigan and Hachimijiogan) for fatigue or loss of energy in patients with partial remitted major depressive disorder

Abstract

Some patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not show remission of their depressive symptomatology. We investigated the efficacy of Rokumigan (TJ-87) and Hachimijiogan (TJ-7) in 20 patients with prolonged partial remitted MDD associated with fatigue or loss of energy. In these 20 patients, TJ-7 or TJ-87 was added to the previous regimen for 4 weeks. Six patients were 'much improved', six were 'minimally improved' (responders), and eight showed 'no change' (non-responders), on the Clinical Global Impression Global Improvement scale. All responders had Shofuku-fujin (tenderness or weakness of the lower abdomen). In conclusion, we experienced 12 outpatients with prolonged partial remitted MDD with fatigue or loss of energy, which was successfully treated with TJ-87 or TJ-7.