Home

Patient & Practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Sho-saiko-to help to improve liver function?

Sho-saiko-to is the most extensively researched Chinese herbal formula in Japan. It has been reported that over 1.5 million people use the herbal formula. There is a large amount of research showing that Sho-saiko-to improves liver function*. There is evidence that Sho-saiko-to benefits people by helping to improve their liver function.

Why use authentic Honso® SST?

Compared to other imitation Sho-saiko-to preparations on the market, Honso® SST has the following unique features:

a. Only Honso® Sho-saiko-to preparation completed a FDA approved clinical phase II trial in the US with results published in 2011.

b. Honso® Sho-saiko has the highest-grade raw materials imported from China to Japan under importation GMP (iGMP) standards

c. The seven botanicals are blended first and then undergo extracting process to ensure synergetic interactions among botanicals (other brand may simply mix the individual herbal extracts without “cooking” herbs together)

d. Honso® SST measures three markers (Glycyrrhizin, Baicalin and Saikosaponin) in every lot to ensure consistency and stable quality (other brand may not have these qualitative measurements)

e. Honso® SST contains higher amounts of individual botanicals in accordance with Japanese Pharmacopeia (other brand contains much less amounts affecting the final results)

 

Honso® SST (Sho-saiko-to)Other Brand “Sho-saiko-to”Bupleurum7.0g1.25gPinellia5.0g1.25gBaical skullcap3.0g0.5gAsian ginseng3.0g0.5gLicorice root2.0g0.5gGinger rhizome1.0g0.5gJujube3.0g0.5g

 

Note: Quantities are equivalent amount of raw herbs taken daily, and are calculated according to published Supplement Fact of the manufacturers.

How long should I take Sho-saiko-to?

In the finished clinical trial physicians gave their patients the professional dosage of Sho-saiko-to for one year. Most people in Japan take Sho-saiko-to for years. Ask your healthcare practitioner for further information.

What is Kampo?

Kampo medicine is integrated into the national health care system in Japan. Kampo describes Japanese herbal medicine and it is part of the Chinese medicine tradition. In order to validate the Chinese medicine, starting from the 1960’s Japanese physicians began to combine their historical medical wisdom with modern medical research. Today, all Kampo manufacturers in Japan are required to meet the same quality standards as Western pharmaceutical companies. Kampo products are strictly regulated pharmaceutical-grade formulas. Chinese medicine formulas are standardized to contain consistent levels of active constituents. Honso Select Sho-saiko-to is standardized by Japanese specifications to contain three markers: Glycyrrhizin, Baicalin, and Saikosaponin measured by HPLC. These are the important active compounds in establishing a normal liver function. Now it is easier than ever to benefit from the secrets of the ancient Chinese medicine system.

For whom do you offer SST?

SST is made up of seven medicinal plants, which when used together help to build immunity and stabilize liver health. These seven herbs are as follows: bupleurum root, pinellia tuber, ginger, scutellaria root, jujube, ginseng, and licorice.
As an alternative medicine, SST is recommended to support a healthy liver function. There is a large amount of research showing that SST improves liver function.

Click here to read about Sho-saiko-to on Wikipedia

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.