Effect of reinforcing kidney-essence, removing phlegm, and promoting mental therapy on treating Alzheimer’s disease

In this trial 60 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were randomly divided into a treatment group, who took Bushenhuatanyizhi (BSHT) granules (six grams twice daily), and a control group, who took piracetam (0.8 grams three times daily). BSHT granules contain He Shou Wu (Polygonimultiflori Radix), Zhu JieShen (Panacis Japonici Rhizoma), Ban Xia (Pinelliae ternatae Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria) and Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) (no dosages given). Results were measured according to a mental state examination scale and an activity of daily living scale. After 12 weeks of treatment both groups had improved, with a total effectiveness rating of 86.7% in the treatment group compared to 57.69% in the control group. In addition, in the herbal medicine group there was an increase in super-oxide dismutase and a decrease in lipid peroxide and triglyceride levels compared with the control group. The authors conclude by stating that the herbal medicine treatment principles of reinforcing Kidney-essence, removing phlegm and promoting mental therapy can improve the cognitive function and daily life of AD patients, and is associated with reductions in blood fat, scavenging free radicals and lipid peroxides. [Aug 2013]