Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceGut health

Rikkunshito

A Japanese Kampo formula of eight herbs, widely prescribed in Japan for functional dyspepsia. Meta-analyses find a modest benefit for upper gastrointestinal symptoms, though most trials come from one country and are of moderate quality.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

  • Functional dyspepsia symptoms Moderate evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 RCTs (5,475 patients) concluded that rikkunshito, alone or as add-on therapy, can be considered for functional dyspepsia, with better symptom scores than conventional treatment.

  • Upper gastrointestinal symptoms more broadly Moderate evidence

    A separate systematic review and meta-analysis found rikkunshito improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms across varied populations, while flagging heterogeneity and generally moderate methodological quality.

  • Dyspepsia accompanied by anxiety Moderate evidence

    The multicentre randomized DREAM study found rikkunshito improved dyspeptic symptoms together with correlated anxiety scores in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe Japanese standard is 7.5 g/day of extract granules, divided into two or three doses taken before meals.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated. It contains liquorice, so prolonged use can cause pseudoaldosteronism — low potassium, oedema and raised blood pressure — especially at higher doses or alongside diuretics. The ginseng component may matter for people on warfarin.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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