Effects of a Traditional Japanese Medicine Goshajinkigan, Tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto on the Warm and Cold Sense Threshold and Peripheral Blood Flow

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a traditional Japanese medicine Goshajinkigan (TJ-107) and Tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto (TJ-38) on warm sense threshold, cold sense threshold and the peripheral blood flow. 31 healthy volunteers (control group: 9people, TJ-107 group: 12 people, TJ-38group:10 people) were examined. Drugs administered 2.5 g a dose. Analysis was before and after 1 hour dosage. The warm and cold sense threshold in the thenar of the non-handedness site of these subjects was measured using a thermostimulator (Intercross-200, Intercross Co., Tokyo, Japan). The peripheral blood flow in the finger of the non-handedness site of these subjects was measured using a full-field laser perfusion imager (FLPI, Moor Instruments Ltd., England). Control: The vehicle had no significant effect on the warm sense threshold, cold sense threshold and the peripheral blood flow. TJ-107: The warm sense threshold and cold sense threshold were significantly decreased, and the reaction latency of cold sense was significantly shortening. The peripheral blood flow was significantly increased second and third finger at 115.6%, 119.3%, respectively. TJ-38: The cold sense threshold and the reaction latency of cold sense were significantly increased. The peripheral blood flow was significantly increased second and third finger with 114.3%, 112.8%, respectively. These results suggest that TJ-107 and TJ-38 have effects on the changed warm sense threshold, cold sense threshold and increased peripheral blood flow.

Effects of Fiber Supplementation for Four Weeks on Athletic Performance in Japanese College Athletes: A Case Study—Measurement of the Athletic Performance, Salivary Biomarkers of Stress, and Mood, Affect Balance

Aim: In this study, we explored the effects of dietary fiber on athletic performance. Methods: Twenty healthy college athletes (male/female, 1/1) consumed 6 grams of dietary fiber (Fiberpro, Taiyo Lab Inc., Tokyo) daily for four weeks and were evaluated for their athletic performance, salivary biomarkers of stress (α-amylase activity pre-post exercise, cortisol, melatonin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels), and mood/affect using the Profile of Mood State 2nd edition (POMS 2®). Measurements were taken at baseline (before supplementation), at Week 4 (after 4 weeks of supplementation), and at Week 8 (4 weeks after the completion of supplementation). Results: Results showed that athletic performance and exercise-induced elevation in salivary α-amylase activity improved with Fiberpro supplementation in both men and women. Further, the Anger-Hostility scale in POMS was significantly elevated in men;in women, an increase in Vigor-Activity score, a single index of positive mood, was noted. These findings suggest that Fiberpro may induce differential affective responses in men and women. Meanwhile, Fiberpro did not affect the normal diurnal changes in salivary melatonin and SIgA levels, but it appeared to augment the normal circadian patterns of cortisol, an effect that persisted for a month without Fiberpro intake. We propose that boosting fiber intake in young, healthy athletes may improve gut microbiota and confer resilience against stress.

Effects of Yogurt Containing <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i>OLL2716 on Autonomic Nerve Activities and Physiological Functions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of yogurt containing Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) on autonomic nerve activities, peripheral blood flow, skin condition (skin pig-mentations and moisture), saliva s-IgA and examination of quality of life (QOL). 20 healthy female volunteers (yogurt containing LG21 group: 10 people, yogurt containing Bifidobacterium (Bif) group: 10 people) were examined. The subjects ingested 100 g of yogurt twice daily for 4 weeks. Analysis was before and after 4 weeks dosage. By the effects for the autonomic nervous activity, parasympathetic increase was observed in the LG21 yogurt group, but was not significant increase. The LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on the peripheral blood flow. The LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on saliva s-IgA. The LG21 yogurt and Bif yogurt were significantly decrease on skin pigmentation. Also, LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on skin moisture. As a result of QOL questionnaire, incomplete evacuation, lower abdominal fullness, cold extremities and pimply or rough skin improved in LG21 yogurt and Bif yogurt after the administration period. These results suggest that the improvement effects of LG21 yogurt may be related to the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Assessment of Biological Reaction to Whole Body Vibration Training by Evaluating Changes in Salivary Components and Cutaneous Blood Flow

Aim: Whole body vibration (WBV) is thought to improve blood flow and autonomic balance and thereby induce a relaxation effect, which suggests its use for stress management. However, the relaxation effect of WBV training has not been objectively evaluated thus far. The purpose of this study was to determine the biological response to WBV training by measuring peripheral blood flow and salivary components using non-invasive techniques. Methods: Participants included 10 healthy volunteers (7 men, 3 women;mean age 33.8 ± 2.3) who provided oral consent and served as their own control. Each participant performed 15 types of stretching exercises for 10.5 min on the Power Plate? and cutaneous blood flow and salivary components were measured before and after the exercise. One week later, all participants performed the same exercise regimen for 10.5 min on a non-vibratory plate, and blood flow measurement and salivary tests were performed in a similar manner. Cutaneous blood flow was measured in the 4th digit for 1 min using the laser speckle flowgraphy. Saliva samples were evaluated for cortisol levels and α-amylase activity. To determine the effects of stretching exercises on the Power Plate? vs a non-vibratory plate, the differences in pre- and post-exercise peripheral blood flow, salivary cortisol levels, and salivary α-amylase activity were statistically evaluated by the t-test. Results: Mean blood flow before and after the exercise on the Power Plate? was 122.0 ± 54.2 and 156.7 ± 51.2, respectively;on a non-vibratory plate, blood flow was 136.6 ± 47.9 and 146.3 ± 38.3, respectively. The differences in pre-exercise and post-exercise values of the two training methods were not significant (p = 0.215). Mean cortisol levels before and after the exercise on the Power Plate? were 266.6 ± 125 and 204.9 ± 61.6, respectively;on a non-vibratory plate, the levels were 439.0 ± 121.7 and 425.8 ± 118.8, respectively. The differences in pre-exercise and post-exercise values of the two training methods were not significant (p = 0.384). Mean α-amylase activity before and after the exercise on the Power Plate? was 3.74 ± 2.89 and 5.40 ± 3.76, respectively;on a non-vibratory plate, the activity was 3.95 ± 2.23 and 3.28 ± 1.73. The differences in pre-exercise and post-exercise values of the two training methods were not significant (p = 0.115). Conclusion: Our results showed that a brief WBV training increased peripheral blood flow, reduced cortisol levels, and increased α-amylase activity. WBV appears to regulate autonomic activity, in particular, suppress sympathetic activity and improve bodily functions. Thus WBV exercise may be conductive for stress management, but further investigation is warranted to determine the optimal duration of WBV training for stress relief.

Effects of Inhaled the Cyperi rhizoma and Perillae herba Essential Oil on Emotional States, Autonomic Nervous System and Salivary Biomarker

It is well-known that odor has a good influence on a human mind and body. In this study, we investigated the effect of the essential oil inhalation of Cyperi rhizoma and Perillae herba which were main aromatic herbs ingredient of the Kososan, to psychological condition, autonomic nerve activity and salivary biomarker. In addition, we examined influence by the favorite difference in odor. 25 healthy female volunteers (control group: 5 people;Cyperi rhizoma group: 10 people;Perillae herba group: 10 people) were examined. POMS was examined at PRE and POST the experiment. Pulse analyser was examined and saliva samples were collected before the inhalation, just after the inhalation, 10 minutes and 20 minutes later, respectively. Saliva samples analyzed for levels of α-amylase and cortisol. At the examination for POMS after the experiment, the preference for the odor was confirmed. About both Cyperi rhizoma and Perillae herba, by the essential oil inhalation, mental stability and relaxation effect were provided in psychological and psysiological evaluation. In the “like” group, relaxation was greater than “unlike” group. However, about Cyperi rhizoma, the stress was relaxed regardless of the favorite difference in odor, and a physical relaxation effect was shown. In addition, about the autonomic nerve activity, the parasympathetic nerve was not activated, and it was suggested that it was made and stabilized the balance of the autonomic nerve.

The Effect of Rice Flour for Amelioration of Sleeping in Social Isolated Mice

In an era where the health-damaging effects of wheat flour (gluten) are increasingly recognized, rice flour has become an important alternative for many people, yet its psychophysiological effects remain largely unknown. Here, we report the potential beneficial effects of rice flour for sleep disturbances in stressed mice. Four-week-old male ddY mice were reared in social isolation for 4 weeks. The control group was reared in a social group. Rice flour was given orally in food to isolated mice at a dose of 2.5 w/w% and 5.0 w/w% for 4 weeks from the start of isolation rearing. MF food was given to the control group. Pentobarbital-induced (40 mg/kg, i.p.) time to sleep induction and righting reflex was measured to determine the effects of rice flour on sleep behavior. Blood samples were obtained after the experiments, and serum corticosterone was measured. Sections from the prefrontal cortex and the brainstem were isolated to measure serotonin, dopamine and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations. We found that the administration of rice flour dose-dependently improved time to sleep and reduced sleep time in socially isolated mice. Blood corticosterone concentrations, which increased after isolation stress, were decreased after the administration of rice flour. Serotonin and dopamine concentrations in the prefrontal cortex which decreased after isolation stress improved after the administration of rice flour. Brainstem IL-6 concentrations increased after isolation stress, but decreased dose-dependently after rice flour administration. Our results suggest that rice flour reverses sleep disturbances in mice induced by social isolation.

Effect of 528 Hz Music on the Endocrine System and Autonomic Nervous System

This study examined the stress-reducing effect on the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system of music with a frequency of 528 Hz, which has recently attracted attention as a “healing” type of music. Nine healthy participants (one man and eight women, aged 26 - 37 years) listened to 528 Hz and standard 440 Hz music on separate days. We measured salivary biomarkers of stress (cortisol, chromogranin A, and oxytocin) before and after exposure to music, and continuously recorded the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The Profile of Mood State, 2nd edition, was also administered as a subjective indicator of stress. In the 528 Hz condition, mean levels of cortisol significantly decreased, chromogranin A tended to decrease, and oxytocin significantly increased after music exposure. However, no significant change was observed in any salivary biomarkers in the 440 Hz condition. The ratio of low frequency to high frequency autonomic nervous system activity significantly decreased after exposure to both types of music, and the coefficient of variation of R-R intervals also significantly decreased, but only after exposure to 528 Hz music. Tension-anxiety and Total Mood Disturbance scores were significantly reduced after exposure to 528 Hz music, while there was no significant difference following 440 Hz music. These results suggest that the influence of music on the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system varies depending on the frequency of the music, and furthermore, that 528 Hz music has an especially strong stress-reducing effect, even following only five minutes of exposure.

Effects of Prolonged Night Shifts on Salivary <i>α</i>-Amylase, Secretory Immunoglobulin, Cortisol, and Chromogranin A Levels in Nurses

Prolonged night shift is associated with high burnout rate, but the physiological effects of a 16 h shift remain undetermined. Here we evaluated fatigue and stress via salivary assays to determine the correlation between stress and fatigue and prolonged night shifts. Twenty-five nurses (9 men, 16 women;16 h night shift (n = 13), 8 h day shift (n = 12)) from Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital were evaluated for four consecutive workdays separated by off days. Salivary samples were collected upon waking and before sleep on non-working days, before and after the day and night shifts, and before and after the break during the nocturnal schedule, and analyzed for levels of cortisol, chromogranin A, α-amylase activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). On non-working days, cortisol levels showed similar kinetic pattern in both nurses. On working days, day-time nurses’ cortisol levels showed normal circadian pattern throughout the shift. Night nurses’ cortisol levels at the beginning of the shift were comparable to that of the normal morning elevation. α-Amylase activity in the night shift nurses was higher than day shift nurses through each period. No significant differences in chromogranin A and sIgA levels were detected between day and night shift workers. A 16 h night shift may cause marked circadian misalignment in cortisol levels.

The Effects of Green Kiwifruit Ingestion on Digestive Health, Blood Flow, Skin Health, and the Autonomic Nervous System

We aimed to assess the impact of consuming two Zespri Hayward green kiwifruit a day on 11 healthy women subjects over a period of 4 consecutive weeks. We analyzed the effects of kiwifruit consumption on intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement related discomfort, bowel movement frequency, peripheral blood flow, skin health, and autonomic nervous system activity. This study was a randomized control trial, consisting of a four-week intervention period. Participants were divided to ensure equal age distributions and then randomly placed into two intervention groups: a kiwifruit consumption group (n = 11) and a control group (no kiwifruit consumption) (n = 5). The kiwifruit consumption group was instructed to consume two kiwifruit a day during the 4-week intervention period, while subjects in the control group were instructed not to consume kiwifruit for the duration of the study. Besides a restriction from eating yogurt and other fruits, subjects were requested to eat their meals as per usual. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement discomfort, and a significant increase in bowel movement frequency, at 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption compared to before consumption. In addition, subjects in the kiwifruit consumption group experienced a significant increase in blood flow, particularly in the index and middle finger at 2 and 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption. Furthermore, subjects in the kiwifruit consumption group experienced a significant increase in skin brightness at 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption compared to before consumption. The results of this study suggest that kiwifruit appears to be a delicious and safe option for intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement discomfort interventions for healthy women. In addition, kiwifruit may aid in increasing bowel movement frequency, peripheral blood flow, and brightness of skin among healthy women as well.

The Impact of Chronic Social Stress on Emotional Behavior in Mice and the Therapeutic Effect of Peripheral Mild-Heat Stimulation

In today’s stressful society, mental diseases such as adjustment disorder, affective disorders including anxiety and depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome could be attributed to social stress and are considered as serious social problems. It has been long known in the acupuncture and moxibustion therapies in Japan and China that stimulation at Zhongwan and Taichong points have effects on stress-related anxiety and depression. In the present study, we therefore tested the effect of peripheral mild-heat stimulation at Zhongwan and Taichong on anxiety and brain biochemistry using a mouse model of chronic social stress. Male ddY mice (4 weeks old) were stressed by isolated rearing for 6 weeks. They received mild-heat stimulation (43℃?for 5 min) at Zhongwan and Taichong under isoflurane anesthesia after 4 weeks of the social isolation 3 times a week for 2 weeks, using the “Stress Free Apparatus” (Ryoken Co., Ltd). Control mice received only isoflurane anesthesia. Group-reared mice also underwent the same stimulus/anesthesia sessions. Two days after the last peripheral heat stimulation, anxiety was determined by the light/dark box test as the time spent in the light compartment and the number of transfer between the light and dark compartments. Before and after the last stimulation, blood was collected from an artery at the back of the eye, and serum corticosterone, immunoglobulin E (IgE) which was an index of the inflammatory immune system, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured using ELISA Kit. The frontal cortex was collected after the behavioral test, and the dopamine and serotonin contents were measured also by ELISA Kit. A significant decrease of the time spent in the light compartment was observed after the isolated rearing (p < 0.01). Mild-heat stimulation significantly increased the time spent in the light compartment, indicating an anti-anxiety effect. Serum corticosterone, IgE and IL-6 were increased after stress, and the amount of serotonin in the frontal cortex was found decreased. The increased corticosterone, IgE and IL-6 were cancelled by mild-heat stimulation. These results suggest that chronic social isolation has negative biological and emotional impacts in mice and that peripheral mild-heat stimulation alleviates at least part of these stress effects.

A Novel Innovative Sleeping Mattress Could Possibly Save Lives and the National Economy: Small but Solid Evidence from a Medical Perspective

The RAND Corporation reported that insufficient sleep causes an economic loss of $138 billion (2.92% of GDP) in Japan every year. In this study, we investigated the sleep improvement effect of a novel innovative sleeping mattress called “AiR SI” (Nishikawa Co., Ltd.) to find a simple method to solve the problem of sleep deprivation. We conducted a 2-week randomized, open-label, crossover, self-controlled study in 14 healthy adults in their 30s to 50s (control: 1 week, AiR SI: 1 week), with sleep quality as the primary endpoint as well as salivary components (cortisol, melatonin) and autonomic nervous function (sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve) as secondary endpoints. Trends toward improvement in sleep were suggested for all the endpoints, regardless of differences in the subject background. The results suggested that the use of AiR SI for 1 week not only improved sleep but normalized both the endocrine and autonomic functions as well. We conclude that, by using a sleeping mattress with a high sleep improvement effect, the user may easily achieve higher labor productivity and have a lower mortality risk. Eliminating sleep deprivation with a sleeping mattress may lead to a reduction in national economic losses and ultimately produce significant economic effects.

5-Aminolevulinic Acid Improves Water Content and Reduces Skin Wrinkling

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a natural amino acid that is used as a raw material for the biosynthesis of red-blood-cell hemoglobin in humans and animals. ALA is the subject of research in a wide range of human health care fields, including skin care and medicine. This study investigated whether and to what extent cosmetics containing ALA (skin lotions and creams) improved facial-skin condition in women. As such, a double-blind controlled experiment was conducted among 45 women aged 47.0 ± 1.72 years. Participants were divided into two intervention groups, including those who used cosmetics containing ALA (C-ALA, n = 22) and those who used cosmetics without ALA (W-ALA, n = 23). Specifically, participants were instructed to use their assigned cosmetics twice per day (morning and evening) after washing their faces before each application. Inner skin condition and skin-water content were evaluated via VISIA-Evolution and Multi Display Devices at baseline and after four and eight weeks of use. The experiment lasted for a total of eight weeks. A baseline comparison at week four showed that skin moisture content increased significantly for the C-ALA group (p = 0.021). Further, wrinkling significantly decreased at week four among participants in the C-ALA group who were evaluated as having many wrinkles at baseline (p = 0.034). These findings suggest that cosmetics containing ALA have moisturizing effects and reduce wrinkling caused by dryness.

Effect of Inhabitation Mouthwash Solution Containing Chlorine Dioxide (Pro Fresh^®) on Oral Malodor

Recently, the interest in oral malodor has been grown and the number of people having trouble with oral malodor is increasing year by year. Generally, as the branch of medicine which deals with patients complaining about oral malodor, dentistry is mostly chosen. On the current situation, however, the dental office side typically finds it difficult to deal with several kinds of oral malodor which show no improvement even though cavities or periodontal disease is completely cured. Main components to cause oral malodor are volatile sulfur compounds (methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide);in the present study, therefore, the effect of mouthwash solution containing chlorine dioxide to relieve oral malodor and increase saliva production was tested. The subjects were 92 patients (Control group: 2 males, 3 females, age;30.8 ± 4 years old, Mouthwash group: 28 males, 59 females, age: 36.9 ± 1.3 years old) who visited the hospital complaining about oral malodor. Intraoral gas, exhaled gas, the saliva production at rest, the ability for salivation and the buffering ability of saliva were examined twice, before the subjects used the mouthwash solution every day for one month. The simple chromatography oral chroma, which was insulated from the influence of temperature and humidity and also was able to measure with a high degree of accuracy, was used to measure odor as the device analysis method. The control group did not change in VSCs, saliva production and the buffering ability of saliva. After using mouthwash solution, the concentration of the 3 major components gas of intraoral gas and exhaled gas, i.e. methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, were all decreased. As for hydrogen sulfide, intraoral gas (from 225.8 ± 28.1 ppb to 41.1 ± 8.8 ppb) and exhaled gas (from 212.0 ± 50.4 ppb to 34.6 ± 16.6 ppb) was significantly decreased. Also, saliva production at rest (from 1.3 ± 0.1 ml to 1.7 ± 0.1 ml) and the ability to salivate (from 4.5 ± 0.3 ml to 5.1 ± 0.3 ml) were both significantly increased. As for the buffering ability of saliva, significant changes were not detected on the change of salivary pH after using mouthwash solution, and it did not have any effects on the buffering ability of saliva. In conclusion, these results suggest that the mouthwash solution containing chlorine dioxide has significant effects on inhibiting malodor.

The Influence of Oral Malodor on Psychological Stress

We examined the influence of oral malodor on psychological stress among patients with a chief complaint of oral malodor. A total of 101 patients (40 male and 61 female) who visited our clinic with a chief complaint of oral malodor were included in this study. The primary compounds of oral malodor—volatile sulfur compounds (VSC)—were measured using the Oral ChromaTM instrument. Salivary stress markers, cortisol, and chromogranin A were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The mood was measured using the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS2). Among the participants, 60.3% had at least one level above the threshold in the following three markers: hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. The gender distribution was 35 female (57.4%) and 25 male (62.5%). Salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress, did not vary depending on the presence or absence of oral malodor. Chromogranin A levels were higher in the oral malodor female group than in the no oral malodor female group. With respect to the POMS2, regardless of the presence or absence of oral malodor measured using gas chromatography, the participants had higher scores for “Anger-Hostility” and “Fatigue-Inertia”. Analysis by gender showed that “Depression-Dejection” was significantly higher in the oral malodor female group than in the no oral malodor female group. These results suggest that those who are worried about oral malodor have higher psychological stress than those who are not, regardless of the presence or absence of oral malodor measured using gas chromatography.

Depigmentory Effects of Keishibukuryogankayokuinin in Human Epidermal Melanocytes

Keishibukuryogankayokuinin (KBY) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine widely used to treat skin pigmentation. The scientific basis for its use is, however, unclear, and studies evaluating its mechanism and effectiveness are sparse. In this study, we compared the tyrosinase inhibitory effects of KBY and Keishibukuryogan (KB, which has the same composition of KBY, except Coix Seed [CS]) and CS under exposure to UV radiation as well as under non-exposure conditions. Neonatal human epidermal melanocytes obtained from a darkly pigmented donor were used. These cells were cultured in a final concentration of 500 μg/ml or 1000 μg/ml, to which KBY, KB, and CS were added. After incubation for 72 h, cells were stained with Fontana-Masson stain and counted. Tyrosinase activity was measured by its dopa oxidase activity, and tyrosinase expression was estimated using real-time PCR. For UV radiation, cells were exposed to UVB radiation for 90 s per day for 3 days. Under non-exposure conditions, tyrosinase activity significantly increased with both KBY and KB but significantly decreased with CS, regardless of the concentration. In addition, tyrosinase expression significantly decreased but only with KBY at both concentrations. Under UV radiation exposure, tyrosinase activity significantly increased with KBY and KB at both concentrations while tyrosinase expression significantly decreased with KBY and KB;a significant increase was, however, observed with CS at both concentrations. These results suggest that taking KBY after sunburn is effective against skin pigmentation, and the combination of KB and CS is useful for skin depigmentation.