Seirogan is a widely-used traditional Japanese medicine, known as Kampo medicine, with a rich history dating back to the Russo-Japanese War. It has been used for over a century to treat gastrointestinal issues, thanks to its effective combination of natural ingredients, including wood creosote. In this essay, we will explore the history of Seirogan, its ingredients, the role of creosote, potential risks, usage, and the revenue generated by this enduring remedy.
History:
Seirogan's origin is closely tied to the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), when the Japanese army faced significant challenges in maintaining the health of their soldiers due to gastrointestinal issues caused by poor sanitation and contaminated water. It is known that Japanese used Seirogan as a remedy for these problems. The medicine's effectiveness in treating diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders quickly gained popularity among the Japanese military.
The origin of Seirogan dates back to 1830 when German chemist Carl Reichenbach distilled wood creosote from European beech trees. Initially, it was used to treat purulent wounds and later as a preservative for preserving meat due to its antimicrobial properties. Eventually, it was ingested as a treatment for gastrointestinal diseases. In 1839, it was brought to Japan by Neiman, the head of the Dutch trading post in Nagasaki. In 1902, Osaka-based pharmacist Nakajima Saichi obtained a license to sell a medicine called "Chuuyou Seirogan." Seirogan(征露丸) can mean conquering Russia. After the war, Seirogan continued to be used and gained widespread acceptance in Japan as an over-the-counter medication for treating gastrointestinal issues. The newspaper adds of Seirogan in 1930 implies the war between Japan and Russia.
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| 1930年代の征露丸の広告 |
Ingredients and the Role of Creosote:
The main ingredients of Seirogan are wood creosote, powdered Phellodendron bark, powdered Magnolia bark, powdered licorice, powdered citrus peel, and Rhubarb extract.
Phellodendron bark: 黄柏 (huáng bò)
Powdered Magnolia bark: 厚朴 (hòu pò)
Powdered licorice: 甘草 (gān cǎo)
Powdered citrus peel: 陳皮 (chén pí)
Rhubarb extract: 大黃 (dà huáng)
**Ingredients may vary depending on the pharmaceutical company. The ingredients listed above are from the キョクトウ (Kyokuto) company.
Seirogan's primary active ingredient is wood creosote, an organic compound derived from the distillation of wood tar, primarily from beech and other hardwood trees. Wood creosote possesses antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties, which contribute to the effectiveness of Seirogan in treating gastrointestinal issues. Although wood creosote is not a traditional Kampo herb, it plays a vital role in Kampo medicine through its inclusion in Seirogan.
Usage and Risks
Seirogan is primarily used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach pain. It is available over the counter in Japan and other countries, making it easily accessible to those in need of relief. The enduring popularity of Seirogan highlights its effectiveness and the continued relevance of traditional Kampo medicine in modern times.
A study conducted on healthy men and women showed that single oral doses of wood creosote up to 225 mg were safe and well tolerated. Another study found that the strong smell of uncoated Seirogan may modulate the defense system
Kuge T, Shibata T, Willett MS. Wood creosote, the principal active ingredient of seirogan, an herbal antidiarrheal medicine: a single-dose, dose-escalation safety and pharmacokinetic study. Pharmacotherapy. 2003 Nov;23(11):1391-400. doi: 10.1592/phco.23.14.1391.31940. PMID: 14620385.
Hiramoto K, Yamate Y, Kobayashi H, Ishii M, Miura T, Sato EF, Inoue M. Effect of the smell of Seirogan, a wood creosote, on dermal and intestinal mucosal immunity and allergic inflammation. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012 Sep;51(2):91-5. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.11-82. Epub 2012 Jul 6. PMID: 22962524; PMCID: PMC3432832.
Creosote is a complex mixture of chemicals produced through the distillation of wood or coal tar. There are different types of creosote, including wood creosote, coal tar creosote, and coal tar pitch. Coal tar creosote and coal tar pitch have been classified as Group 1 human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, wood creosote, the primary ingredient in Seirogan, has not been classified as a human carcinogen. While wood creosote is generally considered safe when used as directed, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines to minimize any potential adverse health effects. The potential risks associated with creosote is still controversial.
A study conducted on healthy men and women showed that single oral doses of wood creosote up to 225 mg were safe and well tolerated
Kuge T, Shibata T, Willett MS. Wood creosote, the principal active ingredient of seirogan, an herbal antidiarrheal medicine: a single-dose, dose-escalation safety and pharmacokinetic study. Pharmacotherapy. 2003 Nov;23(11):1391-400. doi: 10.1592/phco.23.14.1391.31940. PMID: 14620385.
Conclusion:
eirogan holds a significant place in the history of Kampo medicine and remains a widely-used and effective treatment for gastrointestinal issues. It serves as an exemplary fusion of scientific knowledge and traditional medicine. The case of Seirogan demonstrates that the boundaries between biomedicine and traditional medicine can be remarkably thin, showcasing their potential for synergy and collaboration.