The central and peripheral neuropeptide Y (NPY) system is critically involved in feeding and energy homeostasis control. Disease conditions as well as aging can lead to reduced functionality of the NPY system and boosting it represents a promising option to improve health outcomes in these situations. Here we show that Ninjin-yoeito (NYT), a Japanese kampo medicine comprising twelve herbs, and known to be effective to treat anorexia and frailty, mediates part of its action via NPY/peptide YY (PYY) related pathways. Especially under negative energy homeostasis conditions NYT is able to promote feeding and reduces activity to conserve energy. These effects are in part mediated via signalling through the NPY system since lack of Y4 receptors or PYY leading to modification in these responses highlighting the possibility for combination treatment to improve aging related conditions on energy homeostasis control.

中枢和外周神经肽 Y (NPY) 系统与喂养和能量稳态控制密切相关。疾病状况和衰老会导致 NPY 系统的功能降低，而增强它是在这些情况下改善健康结果的一个有希望的选择。在这里，我们展示了 Ninjin-yoeito (NYT)，一种包含 12 种草药的日本汉方药，已知可有效治疗厌食症和虚弱，通过 NPY/肽 YY (PYY) 相关途径介导其部分作用。特别是在负能量稳态条件下，NYT 能够促进进食并减少活动以节省能量。