Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease that decreases the quality of life of patients who experience abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel patterns. Gamisoyosan (GSS), a prescription containing various herbal medicines, is effective against GI-related diseases. We aimed to determine the efficacy of GSS in a zymosan-injected animal model of IBS. In addition, we performed electrophysiological experiments to confirm the regulatory mechanisms of ion channels related to IBS. GSS was found to reduce the length of the colon and increase the weight of the colon and stool score. Weight loss was restored and food intake remained unchanged following GSS intake by the animals. GSS reduced the mucosal thickness of the colon and the degree of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The efficacy of GSS was similar to that of sulfasalazine (SSZ) and amitriptyline (AMT). Notably, GSS reduced pain-related behaviors and suppressed TRPA1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 currents related to visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. Collectively, these results suggest that GSS exhibits its therapeutic effects on IBS by regulating ion channels.
This research was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: HF22C0063).