The Kampo medicine called maoto consists of ephedra, apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca, Rosaceae), cinnamon, and licorice.

Researchers from Shimane University Hospital, in Japan formulated a suppository of maoto and use it to lower fever in infants and children.

First, the details.

• The maoto suppository was administered to pediatric patients with a fever at a dose of 1/3 to 2 full pieces depending on their body weight and physical status.

And, the results.

• Body temperature decreased significantly from 39.5 to 37.5 degrees C without serious adverse effects in 17 patients.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Maoto, suppository was clinically applicable to neonates, infants, and children with viral febrile symptoms without any adverse effects.

But that’s based on the response by fewer than a dozen patients.

The ephedra in maoto has a long history of adverse reactions. The evidence indicates, “Ephedra use is associated with a greatly increased risk for adverse reactions compared with other herbs, and its use should be restricted.”

6/8/09 20:19 JR