The purpose of this study was to investigate the current state of clinical studies of qigong therapies for cognitive impairment using neuroimaging method. We searched for clinical trials of qigong therapies for cognitive impairment using neuroimaging method in the MEDLINE (Pubmed) and CNKI on October 18, 2024. Once the online search was finished, studies were selected manually by the inclusion criteria. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of selected articles and reviewed the neural substrates of qigong therapies in cognitive impairment. Total six studies were included in this study. The most frequently utilized modality was functional MRI. The qigong therapies applied in the study were Tai chi and Baduanjin. Looking at the selected studies, there were many cases that the control group included controls who did not perform any interventions other than health education and an active control group that performed brisk walking. It was confirmed that Qigong therapy can improve cognitive function more broadly, including MoCA scores, compared to the general control group or walking group. Moreover, several studies revealed that qigong therapies could regulate brain activation centered on medial temporal lobe, frontal areas, parietal lobes, attention-related brain networks, and brainstem including neurotransmitter-related nuclei. Through the analysis, we demonstrated that neuroimaging techniques could explore the neural mechanisms of qigong therapies on cognitive impairment. We hope that this perspective on the effectiveness of qigong therapy using neuroimaging methods would be helpful in performing future clinical researches on the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease in the traditional Korean medicine.

This study is designed to analyze the effectiveness of pharmacopuncture therapy for non-specific neck pain. We will search 11 databases, including 5 Korean databases (KoreaMed, ScienceON, KMBASE, Korean Studies Information Service System [KISS], OASIS) and 6 international databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Citation Information by NII [CINII], WanFang data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]). Participants will be patients diagnosed with non-specific neck pain, regardless of the duration of illness, severity of illness, race, age, or sex. The intervention will be pharmacopuncture, while the comparisons will be with treatments other than pharmacopuncture. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Additionally, adverse events related to pharmacopuncture will also be assessed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pharmacopuncture for non-specific neck pain will be included in this study. The quality of the RCTs will be assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tools. The data from the RCTs will be analyzed as continuous variables using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity across studies will be assessed using Higgins' I² test. Cochrane's Review Manager 5.4 will be used to synthesize the data for the meta-analysis. This study will contribute to establishing a higher level of evidence for the use of pharmacopuncture therapy in the treatment of non-specific neck pain in the future.

Network pharmacology is a research field based on system biology by combining computational analysis with molecular biological experiments to discover drug targets and molecular biological mechanisms. Therefore, a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) databases and tools are developed and used in Korean medicine research study. In this review, we conducted a comparative study of characteristics of TCM databases, focusing on several representative network pharmacology scenarios. We selected 10 TCM related databases from Database Commons and Pubmed based on their publication year and citation numbers. We analyzed source of data, characteristics, service components such as analytical functions of them. Also, we introduced several representative scenarios for exploring the efficacy of herb or herbal formula based on papers related to system biology. Our findings suggest that researchers can use network pharmacology based scenarios to explore the therapeutic mechanisms and targets between disease and herb or herbal formula. In conclusion, this review aims to provide researchers with ideas for selecting appropriate databases for Korean medicine research.

This scoping review aimed to examine the current status of research utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) for diagnosis in Korean Medicine (KM) and traditional East Asian medicine, and to explore its potential for objectifying KM diagnostic methods. A systematic search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases. Studies published in English that used HRV for diagnostic purposes in KM or traditional East Asian medicine were included. Data extraction and analysis were performed according to predefined criteria. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The research designs were categorized into five types: TEAM Pattern and Symptom Analysis, Comparative Analysis, Diagnostic Tool Development, HRV Pattern Development for Specific Conditions, and Physiological Indicator Correlation Analysis. The studies revealed significant relationships between HRV parameters and various concepts in traditional East Asian medicine, including constitution types, symptoms, and pattern identifications. Several studies demonstrated the potential of HRV in objectifying and modernizing traditional diagnostic methods. This review suggests that HRV analysis has significant potential as a tool for objectifying KM diagnosis. It can provide a bridge between traditional medical theories and modern physiological measurements. Further research is needed to standardize HRV measurement protocols in KM and to develop more robust diagnostic tools based on HRV analysis.

With infectious diseases and an aging population on the rise worldwide, there is a growing interest in boosting immunity to combat them. We aim to identify forest resources that can enhance immune function and scientifically prove their efficacy. We examined three different types of gami-saengmaeksan can increase the immune function in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mice. First, we injected cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) twice to induce immunosuppression. Then, three different types of gami-saengmaeksan (Prunus davidiana Carrière gami-saengmaeksan; PDS, Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne gami-saengmaeksan; CSS, Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai gami-saengmaeksan; PPS) 200 mg/kg/day were oral administered for 14 days. In order to confirm the immune-enhancing effect three different types of gami-saengmaeksan, we analyzed body weight chagne, the number of immune cells in blood, cytokines, and immunoglobulins levels in serum. Cyclophosphamide was decreased the mice body weight and the number of immune cells in blood. However, PDS and PPS have significantly increased the body weight, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte count. Also, they were increased immune-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels in serum. But, CSS were slightly increased body weight, immune cells, cytokines, and immunoglobulins levels, non-significance was observed. The results suggest that the three types of gami-saengmaeksan can be used as ingredients in dietary supplements to immune enhancing.

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) is a highly malignant tumor with limited treatment options. Conventional chemotherapy significant has limitations, including drug resistance and side effects. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of Codonopsis lanceolata root extract(CLRE), a traditional medicinal herb, on the human lung cancer cell line A549. Our results showed that CLRE inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, CLRE effectively suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) markers, including N-cadherin, vimentin, and MMP-9, induced by TGF-β1. Also CLRE inhibited cell migration and invasion in A549 cells through the downregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that CLRE has potential as a natural anticancer agent or adjunct therapy for NSCLC by inhibiting cell proliferation and EMT processes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and assess the safety and therapeutic potential of CLRE in preclinical and clinical studies.

As a previous study to determine the factors influencing the level and variability of Chiljeong, the influence of Sasang Constitution and MBTI preferences on mood level and variability was examined. Among the 87 students of Korean Medicine attending D University who completed the Sasang Constitutional test and MBTI personality test, a Mood Survey was conducted and 83 of them were selected. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test, ANOVA, independent sample t-test, and nonparametric test in IBM SPSS 22.0 for Windows. The mood level in Sasang Constitutions was highest in Soyang-in and Soeum-in, while Taeeum-in, Taeyang-in, and unclassified showed no differences. There was no difference in mood variability among Sasang Constitutions. The mood level was influenced by the direction of energy of MBTI preferences. There was no difference in mood variability between MBTI preferences. The mood level was influenced by Sasang Constitution and the direction of energy of MBTI preferences, but mood variability was not influenced by them.

In this paper, we attempted to link the theories of korean medicine and medicine on 'Heart controls the blood vessels (心主血脈)', 'Spleen controls the blood (脾統血)' and 'Liver possesses the blood (肝藏血)' related to blood circulation for the new possibility of theorizing integrative medicine. 'Heart controls the blood vessels (心主血脈)', which is explained as the function of blood that nourishes the five viscera and six bowels under the control of the heart, can be interpreted as the vascular system of the dynamics of blood movement through the cardiovascular system and the function of blood flow dispersing to tissues. 'Spleen controls the blood (脾統血)', which enables the normal production and movement of blood, can be interpreted as the function of vascular endothelial cells such as the role of permeability barrier between plasma and interstitial fluid, regulation of the amount of other substances, mediation of angiogenesis, production of damage response factors, and secretion of substances that regulate coagulation and anticoagulation. The 'Liver possesses the blood (肝藏血)', which regulates blood flow according to metabolic volume, can be interpreted as the function of arterioles that distribute the flow to various organs and tissues and efficiently transfer blood flow to the metabolic needs of individual tissues. The process of theorizing integrated medicine is necessary because it can provide opportunities for the use of multidisciplinary approaches and cooperation, and because it can develop a curriculum that can balance the universality of health care education based on biomedical science and the professionalism of korean medicine doctors.

The liver is a major organ in human metabolism and is responsible for systemic circulation and metabolism. The traditional concepts of wind related to the nervous and motor system have limitations in explaining the role of the liver in human metabolism. To overcome these limitations, it is necessary to focus on the physiological activity and pivotal role of bioactive gases in the metabolism of gas flow. Additionally, the action of bioactive gases occurs in the presence of chromoprotein, such as heme protein, which acts as a photoreceptor between the eyes and the liver, ultimately involved in the circadian cycle and metabolism. This series of processes demonstrates that the unique theories of Korean medicine-where the liver governs the wind and the eyes-are accurately aligned from a metabolic perspective, suggesting that Korean medicine physiology can be integrated and appreciated from a modern medical standpoint.

This paper reconsiders the concept of "regulating the waterways" (通調水道) from a traditional Korean medicine perspective and offers a modern reinterpretation of its significance. Traditionally attributed to the lung's function, "regulating the waterways" involves the dispersion and regulation of bodily fluids through the actions of dispersing (宣發) and descending (肅降). The study argues that the role of "regulating the waterways" extends beyond a simple connection between the lung and bladder to encompass a broader scope of fluid regulation and excretion. By distinguishing the body's vascular system into external and internal waterway systems, the research clarifies how fluids are distributed and regulated throughout the body. Specifically, pathways leading to the face and body surface are categorized as 1^st dispersing (宣發) and 2^nd dispersing (宣發), respectively, while the pathway to internal organs is named 3^rd descending (肅降), proving to be clinically valuable. "regulating the waterways" (通調水道) is considered to involve the control of vessels, referring to the phenomenon where blood flow to local tissues is regulated by the contraction and relaxation of the arterioles or by the precapillary sphincters.

Bones and teeth impact quality of life and serve as important indicators of overall health, and diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis are emerging as increasingly significant health issues in aging societies. In traditional Korean medicine(TKM), bones and teeth are classified under the kidneys, explaining their interrelationship, and biomedical studies have been published on this connection. This study aims to compare the perspectives of TKM and biomedicine on the relationship between the kidneys, bones, and teeth, focusing on similarities between the two disciplines. The fact that the kidneys produce active vitamin D, which contributes to skeletal formation, and that sex hormones, which influence the lifespan of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, resemble the role of the kidneys(腎) in TKM, which are associated with growth and reproduction, aligns with the TKM concept that "the kidneys govern the bones" (腎主骨). Furthermore, the histological similarity between bones and teeth, as well as the metabolic parallels involving osteoclast metabolism, retinoic acid metabolism, and vitamin D, support the idea that "teeth are the surplus of bones" (齒者骨之餘). In addition to the kidneys acting on the shared pathways of bones and teeth, the pathological link between kidney deficiency(腎虛) and dental diseases-caused by aging, overwork, or congenital deficiencies-explains the concept that "the kidneys govern the teeth"(腎主齒). This study contributes to an integrated understanding of both disciplines by comparing the TKM concept with biomedical explanations concerning the kidneys, bones, and teeth. Through this approach, it can be demonstrated that TKM concepts remain valid in modern contexts, while also suggesting the potential to explain less clearly understood TKM theories in this manner.

Over the past several decades there have been many attempts to integrate the fields of Conventional and Holistic medicine. However, to date, successful integration has yet to be achieved. For the purpose of providing greater understanding and effective methods for the diagnostic and treatment of functional body disorders this review presents a plausible method for successful consolidation of the reductionism and holism concepts present at the core of modern and traditional medicine. Reconstruction of modern physiological knowledge and understanding of changes in cardiovascular function was used to provide explanations for symptoms associated with the concept of Byeon-Jeung in Korean Medicine. The symptoms correlated with the Byeon-Jeung for Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Stomach Yin Deficiency were shown to be linked to decreases in blood flow and the corresponding functional disorders associated with such. These results demonstrate how modern physiological understanding of the body can serve as an appropriate stepping stone to assist in the integration of Conventional and Holisitic medicine.

This study examines the research methodology of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) as a means to integrate and connect its foundational theories with modern medical science. Through an approach rooted in the philosophy of science, we analyze historical responses to the introduction of modern medicine during a period of significant transition, highlighting the importance of preserving and establishing the identity of TKM. We also explore the willingness to adopt scientific research methods in this context. As a practical example of TKM's research methodology, we review the recently insurance-covered three-dimensional pulse imaging examination. This study reaffirms that TKM research methodology can facilitate not only integration with modern medicine but also the advancement of medicine as a whole by preserving TKM's unique characteristics and underlying principles while incorporating modern research methods and quantitative analysis.

It is important to understand the underlying principles of acupoint selection for pain control. The purpose of this study was to use data mining on real-world data to examine the commonality and specificity of acupoint selection for pain control management. We obtained data from the medical records of eight Korean medicine doctors. We analyzed data on acupoint selection from 423 outpatients with seven different pain conditions including low back pain, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, ankle sprain, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and dysmenorrhea. The frequency of acupoints used for pain control was calculated and visualized on a human body template to identify the patterns of acupoint selection regarding the type of pain and its location. The most frequently used acupoints across pain conditions were LI4, LR3, LI11, ST36, and PC6, while the most frequently used acupoints varied across individual pain conditions. In terms of the location of acupoints and disease site, both local and distal acupoints were used to treat pain. Patterns of selecting local or distal acupoints were observed differently by the types of pain such as visceral and somatic pain. Using data mining on real-world data, this study revealed the commonality and specificity of acupoint selection for pain control. Our findings suggest that local, segmental, and general effects of acupuncture can explain the selection patterns of acupoints for pain management.

Aging is associated with a decline in physical and mental functions, necessitating support strategies to extend the healthy life expectancy (HLE). Traditional Asian herbal medicines, such as Yukmijihwang-tang (YM) and Palmijihwang-tang (PM), are used to enhance HLE by improving the kidney function and treating age-related conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of YM and PM on lifespan extension and kidney aging marker and aging-related gene expression levels in mice and elucidate the underlying hormonal mechanisms. A lifespan assay was conducted using Caenorhabditis elegans to compare and analyze the effects of YM and PM on HLE and kidney function. Subsequently, aging markers and kidney function were analyzed in aged mice treated with YM and PM. Additionally, RNA sequencing of kidneys was performed to analyze the RNA expression levels related to the hormonal pathways of YM and PM. YM and PM significantly increased the lifespan of C. elegans in a dose-dependent manner. In aged mice, YM and PM restored the kidney aging markers, including the plasma klotho and albumin levels, glomerular filtration rate, urine volume, osmolality, and sodium levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns. Although both YM and PM regulated similar pathways, PM affected 4.5-times more genes associated with the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and their membranes than YM. Furthermore, YM and PM modulated the hormone metabolism genes associated with longevity, highlighting their potential to mitigate age-related conditions through diverse molecular pathways. This study demonstrated the potential of YM and PM to extend HLE by modulating gene expression and improving kidney function, thus providing promising natural therapeutics with few side effects.

As the demand for scientific validation of traditional medicine increases, network pharmacology research utilizing various bioinformatics databases has been actively conducted. However, clear guidelines on how differences in prediction outcomes may vary depending on the choice of database are lacking. This study aims to compare two major bioinformatics databases for herbal medicine (TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM) to analyze how the choice of database influences prediction results and to propose a more effective analytical approach. We compared the prediction results among three scenarios composed of different combinations from two TCM bioinformatics databases (TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM) and one analytics tool (DAVID) with an example herb, licorice. The gene ontology terms (GO-term) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway terms were compared and prediction ranges of two TCM bioinformatics databases for disease were compared against to disease list derived from in vivo study literatures of licorice written in the last 10 years. The three scenarios showed different trends in enrichment analysis with GO-term and KEGG pathway term. Scenario A showed a trend of cancer (apoptotic process, p=1.80E-32; response to hypoxia, p=8.90E-31, regulation of apoptotic process, p=2.30E-30, regulation of programmed cell death, p=6.40E-30, pathways in cancer, p=6.10E-36) whereas other two scenarios showed similar trend of neurotransmission (regulation of ion transport, p=1.00E-82, cell-cell signaling, p=9.16E-85, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, p=1.66E-37). The 58% and 52% of diseases derived from in vivo experiment study literatures were predicted by each TCM bioinformatics database. These results indicate that differences in target lists predicted from different databases lead to differences in enrichment analysis, which in turn leads to differences in disease prediction coverage. Thus, using a merged target list predicted by at least two TCM bioinformatics databases may provide more unbiased, complete, and wider range of results.