Abstract: The object of the invention is to find the actions of the crude drugs contained in Daikenchuto or their components and the synergistic effect of the components with one another or with other pharmacologically active substances, and to provide new drugs or pharmaceutical compositions based on the findings. The invention is directed to intestinal peristaltic motility-enhancers comprising an effective amount of hydroxy-?-sanshool or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof; compositions comprising a combination of hydroxy-?-sanshool or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof and capsaicin or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof or bethanechol or a salt thereof; as well as a method for improving intestinal motility which comprises administering the composition to a patient.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to find the actions of the crude drugs contained in Daikenchuto or their components and the synergistic effect of the components with one another or with other pharmacologically active substances, and to provide new drugs or pharmaceutical compositions based on the findings. The invention is directed to intestinal peristaltic motility-enhancers comprising an effective amount of hydroxy-?-sanshool or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof; compositions comprising a combination of hydroxy-?-sanshool or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof and capsaicin or a plant containing the same or an extract thereof or bethanechol or a salt thereof; as well as a method for improving intestinal motility which comprises administering the composition to a patient.