CRH and cancer: As cancer-induced anorexia and cachexia are induced by 5-HT2c receptor-mediated interactions of 5-HT with CRH-producing neurons and CRH activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, decreases the plasma levels of acylated ghrelin, and induces anxiety-like behavior, the inhibitory effect of rikkunshito on CRH-producing neurons may contribute to psychological effects and normalization of high cortisol levels [37].