The influence of traditional Chinese herbal drugs on serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels

The serum concentration of 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), a polyol which ori ginates mainly in the diet, is used in Japan as a new marker for glycemia. To evaluate the potential interference of 1,5-AG measurements by traditiona l Chinese medicines (Kampo), we examined the 1,5-AG content in 32 types of concentrated dosage forms of Kampo using high performance liquid chromatogr aphy (HPLC). The 32 types of Kampo were the most frequently used in Japan, two of which, Ninjin-yoei-to (7030 mu g/g dry weight) and Kami-kihi-to (670 0 mu g/g dry weight), contained large amounts of 1,5-AG, Six others contain ed small amounts of 1,5-AG. Both Ninjin-yoei-to and Kami-kihi-to contain th e same ingredient, Polygalae radix, which is a crude form of polygalitol (1 ,5-AG). To confirm the effects of these Kampo medicines on the serum levels of 1,5-AG, we administered Ninjin-yoei-to (7.5 g/day) for 8 weeks to 18 pa tients with Type 7 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM). The serum level of 1,5-AG increased From 9.8 +/- 8.9 to 28.1+/-17.5 mu g/ml by week 8. Hemoglobin A1 c (HbA1c) had not changed by week 8. Thus, an abnormal serum 1,5-AG level m ay be present in patients taking Kampo which contains Polygalae radix. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.