Therapeutic effects of Kyuki-chouketsu-in in restoring postpartum physical condition

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Kyuki-chouketsu-in, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, in restoring postpartum physical condition. We enrolled 171 women who had a normal delivery in Osaka Medical College Hospital or its affiliated clinics, and randomly assigned them to the following two groups: a group of 85 women who received Kyuki-chouketsu-in at a dose of 6.0 g/day (Group K), and a group of 86 women who received ergometrine (methylergometrine maleate) at a dose of 0.375 mg/day (Group E). The height of the uterine fundus, blood hemoglobin concentration and biochemical blood values were determined until day 6 postpartum. The height of the uterine fundus was significantly lower in women of Group K (8.9 +/- 2.4 cm) than in those of Group E (10.5 +/- 2.7 cm) on day 5 postpartum (p = 0.071). A significant difference between Groups K and E was noted in change in blood hemoglobin concentration between days 1 and 6 postpartum (4.6 +/- 7.2% in Group K; -1.57 +/- 7.3% in Group E). Significant differences between Groups K and E were noted in decrease in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and increases in serum total protein (TP) and albumin concentrations between days 1 and 6 postpartum. No adverse effects were observed in this study. The results of our study demonstrate the beneficial effects of Kyuki-chouketsu-in on physical recovery in the postpartum period. Kyuki-chouketsu-in can be expected to improve the health of women in the postpartum period. Biopharmacological research and clinical trials to investigate the properties of this drug in detail are warranted.