Researchers tested a traditional Chinese medicine called Shigyakusan to see if it could prevent gallstones in mice. Gallstones form when too much cholesterol builds up in the bile (digestive fluid) and doesn’t flow properly. Current treatments can have serious side effects, so scientists are looking for better options. In this study, mice fed a diet that causes gallstones were given either Shigyakusan or a placebo. The mice that received Shigyakusan developed fewer gallstones, had lower cholesterol levels, and showed improved bile flow. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before this herb can be recommended as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Shigyakusan could prevent or reduce gallstone formation and improve cholesterol levels
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were fed a special diet designed to cause gallstones, divided into groups receiving either Shigyakusan treatment or no treatment
  • Key finding: Mice treated with Shigyakusan developed significantly fewer gallstones, had lower cholesterol levels in their blood, and showed improved bile flow compared to untreated mice
  • What it means for you: This research suggests Shigyakusan might eventually help prevent gallstones in humans, but this is early-stage research. Do not use this herb without talking to your doctor first, as human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment using mice to test whether Shigyakusan could prevent gallstone disease. They divided mice into groups and fed some a normal diet while others received a special diet known to cause gallstones. Within each diet group, some mice received Shigyakusan treatment while others received no treatment (a control group). This setup allowed researchers to compare how the herb affected gallstone formation.

The study lasted 8 weeks, during which researchers monitored the mice and collected blood samples. At the end, they examined the mice’s organs to count gallstones and look for any tissue damage. They also analyzed genes in the liver, gallbladder, and intestines to understand how Shigyakusan might be working at the molecular level.

This type of animal study is an important first step in drug development. It helps researchers understand whether a treatment shows promise before testing it in humans. However, results in mice don’t always translate directly to humans, so additional research is necessary.

Animal studies like this one are crucial because they allow researchers to test treatments in controlled conditions and examine internal organs directly. This approach helps identify which biological pathways a treatment affects and whether it’s safe enough to eventually test in humans. Understanding how Shigyakusan works at the cellular level provides valuable information for future human studies.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the methods and findings. However, the study was conducted only in mice, which limits how much we can apply the results to humans. The specific number of mice used was not provided in the available information. To be confident about using Shigyakusan for gallstone prevention in people, researchers would need to conduct larger human studies with proper controls.

What the Results Show

Mice that received Shigyakusan showed significant protection against gallstone formation. When compared to mice that developed gallstones on the special diet without treatment, the Shigyakusan-treated mice had fewer and smaller gallstones.

The herb also lowered cholesterol levels in the mice’s blood. Specifically, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol) were significantly reduced in treated mice compared to untreated mice. This is important because high cholesterol is a major risk factor for gallstone formation.

At the genetic level, Shigyakusan increased the activity of several genes involved in cholesterol transport and bile flow. These genes help move cholesterol out of the body and improve the movement of bile through the digestive system. Better bile flow means cholesterol is less likely to accumulate and form stones.

The research revealed that Shigyakusan works through multiple mechanisms in the body. It increased expression of genes (ABCG5/G8 and ABCB4) in the liver that are responsible for moving cholesterol into bile and helping bile flow properly. It also increased a gene (AQP5) in the gallbladder that helps with fluid movement, and increased ABCG5 expression in the intestines, which helps eliminate cholesterol from the body. These multiple effects working together appear to reduce gallstone risk.

This is the first study specifically examining Shigyakusan’s effects on gallstone disease, even though the herb has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for this purpose. Previous research has shown that other traditional herbs and compounds can affect cholesterol metabolism and bile flow, supporting the idea that plant-based treatments might help prevent gallstones. This study provides the first scientific evidence that Shigyakusan specifically has these protective effects.

This study was conducted only in mice, so we cannot be certain the results will apply to humans. Mice have different body systems and metabolisms than people. The study did not specify exactly how many mice were used or provide detailed information about the dosage of Shigyakusan tested. The research was relatively short-term (8 weeks), so we don’t know if the benefits would continue over longer periods. Additionally, this was a laboratory study without human participants, so we have no information about side effects, safety, or effectiveness in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, Shigyakusan shows promise as a potential preventive treatment for gallstone disease. However, confidence in this recommendation is currently LOW because human studies have not yet been conducted. Do not start taking Shigyakusan for gallstone prevention without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have a family history of gallstones or other risk factors, discuss prevention strategies with your doctor.

This research is most relevant to people interested in traditional medicine approaches and those at high risk for gallstones (including people with high cholesterol, obesity, or family history of gallstones). Healthcare providers and researchers studying gallstone prevention should also pay attention to these findings. However, until human studies are completed, this herb should not be used as a replacement for proven medical treatments or prevention strategies.

In this mouse study, changes occurred over 8 weeks. If similar effects occur in humans, benefits might take several weeks to months to develop. However, we cannot predict the timeline in humans based on animal studies. Anyone considering this treatment should expect to work with their healthcare provider on a long-term monitoring plan.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user is interested in gallstone prevention, they could track weekly cholesterol levels (if available through home testing), dietary fat intake in grams, and any digestive symptoms. This creates a baseline for comparison if they discuss Shigyakusan with their doctor.
  • Users could use the app to set reminders for dietary changes that reduce gallstone risk: limiting saturated fat intake, increasing fiber consumption, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight. These evidence-based lifestyle changes work alongside any potential herbal treatments.
  • For long-term tracking, users should monitor cholesterol levels through regular blood tests (coordinated with their doctor), track digestive health symptoms, and maintain records of any herbal supplements taken. The app could send quarterly reminders to check in with their healthcare provider about gallstone risk factors.

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. Shigyakusan should not be used to treat or prevent gallstones without consulting a healthcare provider. If you have symptoms of gallstone disease (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting), seek immediate medical attention. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss any herbal supplements or alternative treatments with your doctor before use, especially if you are taking other medications or have existing health conditions.