Inhibitory Effect of Kamiseii-san (Kampo) on Alveolar Bone Resorption Associated with Experimental Periodontitis in Hamsters

Kamiseii-san (kampo) has been known to be effective for periodontal disease from ancient times . This study was performed to investigate the effect of kampo on the alveolar bone resorption associated with experimental periodontitis induced with Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 15987 in hamsters . The amount of the bone resorption in the experimental animals was about half that in the controls . Kamiseii-san did not display any effect on the growth of the bacteria either in vivo or in vitro. These findings suggest that this agent had an inhibitory effect on alveolar bone resorption without affecting tha bacteria, and supports the traditional story. While the mechanism of the inhibition still remains unclear, it seems that some indirect action of Kamiseii-san may on alveolar bone metabolism result in inhibition.