Effect of Dai-kenchu-to on Levels of 3 Brain-gut Peptides (Motilin, Gastrin and Somatostatin) in Human Plasma

We examined the effect of Dai-kenchu-to (DKCT), a traditional Chinese (Kampo) medicine, on the levels of 3 brain-gut peptides (motilin, gastrin and somatostatin) in plasma from 24 healthy subhects. A single oral administration of DKCT, at a dose of 7.5 g, caused significant increases in plasma motilin levels (about 12 pg/ml) at 60 to 90 min, compared with a placebo-treated group. Transient elevations of gastrin levels were noted after administration of both DKCT (25.9±1.4 pg/ml) and placebo (23.5±1.3 pg/ml). DKCT did not alter the levels (about 5.7 pg/ml) of somatostatin. In conclusion, these results indicate that the action of DKCT closely relates to changes in motilin-immunoreactive substance levels in human plasma.