A remarkable "steroid sparing" effect of Saiboku-to was noted within 6 to 12 months of treatment in steroid-dependent asthmatic patients. Saiboku-to spared the downregulation of glucocorticoid receptor of human lymphocytes, plasma ACTH, and cortisol levels. It also spared downregulation of beta 2 receptor by beta 2 agonists and suppressed mACh receptor at the same time. Saiboku-to increased tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) production, which was inhibited by actinomycin-D, thus having steroid-like activity. In mite-allergic asthma, Saiboku-to inhibited the induction of expression of IgE-Fc epsilon R/CD23 in the lymphocytes by mite allergen. It also inhibited IgE production by mite allergens. In experimental asthma in guinea pigs the use of Saiboku-to resulted in a decrease in the number of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid during late asthmatic response. These findings suggest that Saiboku-to may be effective in inhibiting both the expression of IgE-Fc epsilon R2 and the induction of expression of IgE-Fc epsilon R1. Saiboku-to also has a steroid-like action and polyhedral anti-asthmatic activities.