Acotiamide (Z-338), a Novel Gastroprokinetic Agent for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia, Enhances Gastric Motility Without Prolonging QT Interval in Dogs and Rats

and jejunum after Rikkunshito administration was significantly higher than that in the control and increased in a dose-dependent manner.In the postprandial state, Rikkunshito had no significant effect on the motor activity.Intragastric administration of Rikkunshito accelerated gastric emptying.Atropine and hexamethonium significantly diminished Rikkunshito-induced contractions.After administration of Rikkunshito, plasma acylated-ghrelin gradually increased, and the increase was much more significant than in the control at 3h after administration.Conclusions: Intragastric administration of Rikkunshito stimulated gastrointestinal contractions in the interdigestive state and accelerated gastric emptying.Moreover, Rikkunshito increased plasma acylated-ghrelin levels.Rikkunshito, a traditional herbal medicine, may alleviate gastrointestinal tract disorders through its prokinetic effect.