The Kampo medicine Rokumigan possesses antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:436206. doi: 10.1155/2014/436206. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

Periodontal diseases, which are inflammatory diseases of bacterial origin affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, are characterized by inflammation and destruction of gingival connective tissue and alveolar bone, and may lead to tooth loss. The aim of the study was to investigate Rokumigan, a Kampo Japanese traditional medicine made of six different plants, for its capacity to prevent biofilm formation by Fusobacterium nucleatum, to inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion by mucosal cells, and to promote wound healing in a fibroblast model. Using a microplate colorimetric assay, Rokumigan prevented biofilm formation by F. nucleatum, while it had no effect on bacterial growth. Rokumigan inhibited IL-6 secretion in both epithelial cells and fibroblasts stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. However, it caused no significant inhibition of IL-8 secretion by both cell types. Rokumigan significantly increased proliferation and migration of gingival fibroblasts in a wound healing assay. In conclusion, the Kampo formulation Rokumigan, through suppression of biofilm formation by F. nucleatum, inhibition of IL-6 secretion by gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and promotion of wound healing in a fibroblast model, may have potential application for periodontal diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Cell Line
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Fusobacterium nucleatum / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-8 / metabolism
  • Medicine, Kampo*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • CXCL8 protein, human
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-8
  • rokumigan