Objectives: This study investigated the effect of Yukmijihwangtang on cerebral ischemia-induced learning and memory impairment by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats. Methods: The ability of learning and memory of rats was measured using the eight-arm radial maze and the passive avoidance test, and profile of cholinergic neuron was assessed in the medial septum and hippocampus region by immuno-histochemistry. Results: 1. No differences were found between groups in the number of correct choices in acquisition performance during the eight-arm radial maze task. 2. No differences were found between groups on day 1 in the error rate in acquisition performance, which is defined as the number of enters into the same arm more than once within five minutes. After 5 to 6 days of test, the number of errors was significantly reduced in the Yukmijihwangtang group (forebrain ischemia group with Yukmijihwangtang treatment), compared with the ischemia group. 3. The memory processes significantly improved in the Yukmijihwangtang group according to results of the passive avoidance test. 4. The appearance of AchE (acetylcholinesterase) in the CA1 region of hippocampus significantly decreased in the ischemia group, compared with the sham group (untreated group). The appearance of AchE in the same region significantly increased in the Yukmijihwangtang group, compared with the ischemia group. 5. The appearance of ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and medial septum decreased in the ischemia group, compared with the sham group. The appearance of ChAT in the same region significantly increased in the Yukmijihwangtang group, compared with the ischemia group Conclusions: This study provides evidence that Yukmijihwangtang is effective for reviving the ability of learning and memory and damaged neurons in rats with experimental cerebral ischemia.

Objectives: The present study is focused on the inhibitory effect of the rhizome hexane fraction extract of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (ginger hexan extract; GHE) on the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, $PGE_2$, and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 cells, a mouse microglial cell line. Methods: We separated the hexane fraction from Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus's methanol extract. The inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effect of GHE was examined on microglial activation. Results: GHE significantly inhibited the excessive production of NO, $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-1${\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, GHE attenuated the mRNA expressions and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory properties of GHE may make it useful as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: The safety of herbal products is an important issue in Korea. It is more complicated because of the concomitant use of conventional western drugs and herbal medicine, including prescribed medicine, folk herbs and food supplements. Although both western and traditional Korean medical doctors have studied on the safety of HMP, their results did not show relevant or consistent conclusions because of the poor quality of studies, including bias. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the studies in Korea related to drug induced liver injury (DILI) systematically. We tried to estimate the proportion of causative materials of DILI and evaluate the clinical difference of DILIs from different materials. Methods: Systematic searches were performed on MedRIC and MEDLIS in Korea. The extraction of data as well as selective screening of the studies was carried out independently by two of the authors. There were no restrictions on the types of publication, including grey literature. Results: Twenty-one articles were included. Of them only 7 adapted prospective design and only 6 were published in peer-reviewed journals. The proportion of conventional drugs associated with hepatotoxic injuries in all DILI ranged from 15.8% to 83.3% and that of herbal medicine was from 28.9% to 44.7%. However, the criteria for herbal medicine were not clearly defined and concomitant medications were not fully investigated in most studies. There were limited objective data in the clinical differences of liver injuries from different materials and their results were conflicting. Conclusions: The causality assessments regarding DILI of herbal medicine were not performed properly and causative materials were misclassified in most of the studies published in Korea. These make the safety issue still ambiguous because of the limitations and lack of objectivity of the studies. More rigorous studies are required for clearly addressing these conflicting issues with cooperative investigation between traditional Korean and western medicine.

In this study a correspondence between Lee-HyungYik (李馨益)'s Burnchim (燔鍼) and InJo (仁祖)'s illness was made and Lee-HyungYik (李馨益)'s Burnchim (燔鍼) was examined in detail. The data researched was an article about Lee-HyungYik's Burnchim treatment that appeared in the Daily Records of the Royal Secretariat ["承政院日記"]. Based on this article, comparisons and contrasts with the contents of Shin-Eung Kyung ("神鷹經")'s ChimGuKyungHumBang (鍼灸經驗方) were made. As a result, it was found that Lee-HyungYik's Burnchim can be categorized as a kind of Burning Acupuncture Therapy [火鍼] and that his method succeeds that of Shin-Eung Kyung. It can be seen as a specialized version of the treatment methods for 'Kansa & Thirteen Acupoints' ('間使 and 十三穴'). This method was used to treat QueSa (鬼邪), which corresponds to the fact that InJo was agonizing over the imprecation incident in the palace at that time. The specific method of Burnchim is similar to that of HuaChimchinlZyung mentioned in ChimGuKyung-HumBang; it is highly possible that the method introduced in ChimGuKyungHumBang is a description of Lee-HyungYik's Burnchim.

Objectives: We tried to clarify the relationship between lifestyle and plasma homocysteine concentration. We analyzed the data of patients with acute ischemic stroke from the Hanbang stroke registry supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Korea. Methods: 458 subjects were recruited from the patients admitted to the Internal Medical Department of Kyunghee University oriental medical center, Dongguk University Ilsan oriental medical center, Kyungwon University Songpa oriental medical center and Kyungwon University Incheon oriental medical center from April 2007 to August 2008. We divided the subjects into four groups by quartiles of plasma homocysteine concentrations and compared the first and last quartile groups. Results: 1. In univariate analysis, the high homocysteine concentration group showed higher rate of older age, male gender, smoking, drinking and lower values in vitamin B12, folic acid, creatinine than the control group with statistical significance. 2. In multivariate analysis, older age, male gender smoking and folic acid showed a close relationship with statistical significance (each OR=3.620, OR=4.218, OR=3.558, OR=0.789). Conclusions: According to the analysis, the relationship between high homocysteine concentration and smoking in patients with acute ischemic stroke were clarified. We hope to standardize and establish criteria on homocysteine in Korea by large epidemiological survey. These study results could be utilized in the future as a basis material.

Objective: The purpose of experimental study was to prove the effects of Boyangmakseong-bang (BYMSB) treatment on cBSA-induced in a MN mouse model. Methods: We divided mice into 4 groups. The Normal group had no treatment. We used cBSA and induced MN mouse model to the other 3 groups. The Control group was treated with cBSA (9mg/kg i.p) only. The second group, named 'BY-250', was treated with cBSA (9mg/kg i.p) and BYMSB extract (250mg/kg, p.o). The third group, named 'BY-500', was treated with cBSA (9mg/kg i.p) and BYMSB extract (500mg/kg, p.o). After cBSA and BYMSB extract treatment for 4 weeks, the increase in percentage of body weight, proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, creatinine and BUN of all groups were measured. The CD3+, CD19+, CD4+, CD8+ cell levels of spleen of all groups were analyzed. IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels of all groups were gauged. H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscopy of kidney were observed. Results: BYMSB showed significant decrease in the 24hrs proteinuria, serum total cholesterol, serum IgG levels and BUN levels, and showed significant increase in the serum albumin levels compared with the control group. BYMSB showed increase in the increasing percentage of body weight and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels compared with the control. BYMSB showed decrease in the CD3+ T cells, CD4+ Th cells, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 levels, but did not show significant change compared with the control. BYMSB showed considerable decrease in the thickening of the GBM on H&E staining, deposition of IgG on immunofluorescence staining and deposition of electron-density on electron microscopy of kidney compared with the control. Conclusions: According to the above results, it is suggested that BYMSB decreases the symptoms of MN induced by cBSA in a mouse model. Therefore BYMSB seems to be applicable to MN in clinical practice.

Objective: This study assessed five respective herbs in Cheonggugamrosu (CGGRS) for ability to inhibit malodor in vitro. Methods: We used malodor modeling of the salivary sediment system. Incubation mixtures were prepared with sediment at 16.7% (v/v), amino acids (cysteine and tryptophan) at 6mM and either herb extract at 1% (w/v) or water as control. Mixtures were incubated at $37^{\circ}C$ and odor was monitored organoleptically and for volatile sulfur compounds with the Halimeter. Indole/skatole was determined by Kovac's colorimetric method. Results: Two of the herbs, Caryophilli Flos and Glycyrrhizae Radix, had inhibitory effect on malodor generation. Both of them significantly reduced VSC, organoleptic odor and indole/skatole formation (p<0.05). Conclusions: We found Caryophilli Flos and Glycyrrhizae Radix played a main role in CGGRS. Both herbs have potential as effective anti-malodor agents and this suggests they are worthy of further exploration.

Objectives: There is currently increased interest in the identification of natural antioxidant compounds derived from various plants. Peony Root (PR) is used worldwide for the treatment of many types of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis and hypertension. It has been used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of glycosuria, hypertension and cancer. However, to date, no studies concerning the antioxidant properties of PR have been conducted. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro scavenging activity, inhibitory effect of LDL oxidation of pro-oxidant reactive species and anti-thrombosis effect in response to treatment with PR using various screening methods including biological and non-biological oxidants. Methods: In this study, the antioxidant activity of extract from PR was studied with in vitro methods by measuring the antioxidant activity by TEAC, measuring the scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) [superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical] and on reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [nitric oxide and peroxynitrite] as well as measuring the inhibitory effect on $Cu^{2+}$-induced human LDL oxidation and the inhibitory effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Results: The PR extracts were found to have a potent scavenging activity of oxidative stress [DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, etc.] as well as an inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation and on platelet aggregation. Conclusions: The PR extracts have anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects in vitro system, which can be used for developing pharmaceutical drugs against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

Objectives: This experimental study was designed to show the relationship between kidney qi deficiency and hypoadrenia. A comparative study between Sa-am and local area acupuncture stimulation was conducted. The test results help to show the relationship between kidney qi deficiency and hypoadrenia as well as the recuperation of the patient with the use of VAS, ROM, Sch ber test, ODI and salivary cortisol testing. Methods: 1. Twenty-four adults with chronic low back pain were recruited. Once selected the test population was divided into two different groups. One group was treated only with the use of local area acupuncture and the other with Sa-am acupuncture. 2. At the completion of each acupuncture treatment both groups underwent a VAS, ROM, ODI, $Sch{\ddot{o}}ber$ Test and salivary cortisol test. Results: 1. Both the Sa-am acupuncture group and the local area acupuncture group had statistical significance in VAS decrease and flection ROM increase. 2. Only the Sa-am acupuncture group had statistical significance in extension ROM increase. Only the local area acupuncture group had statistical significance in both lateral flection ROM increase and ODI test. 3. There was statistical significance of correlation between morning salivary cortisol test and adrenal fatigue questionnaire. Conclusions: Both local area acupuncture as well as Sa-am acupuncture treatments were effective for treating lower back pain caused by kidney qi deficiency. In addition, each patients recuperation level can be verified with the results seen from the salivary cortisol test results. The cortisol results suggest a similarity between kidney qi deficiency and hypoadrenia.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of Semen Persicae (SP) on infarct volume, COX-2 protein expression in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) rats. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four groups (MCAo experimental group, MCAo control group, sham experimental group, control group). The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded in the MCAo group by proximal focal cerebral ischemia rat model, while the MCA was not occluded in the sham group. SP extraction was administrated for 4 days to each experimental group. Neuroprotective effects were investigated by measurement of brain damage using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and analysis of COX-2 protein expression by western blotting. Results: The occurrence of infarct volume in the SP oral administration group decreased compared to the control group. COX-2 protein expression in the SP oral administration group decreased compared to the control group. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the effect of SP in reducing infarct volume and decreasing COX-2 expression.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the stability of a decoction using three herbal plants and their major components according to the storage conditions and periods. Materials and Methods: A three-herb mixture (1:1:1) of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, and Poncirus trifoliata Rafinesqui was decocted and kept at room temperature ($25{\pm}2^{\circ}C$) or cold temperature ($4^{\circ}C$) for 0, 2, 4 or 8 weeks in liquid form in a plastic pack under dark conditions. At time points given, they were lyophilized. 200 mg of powdered samples were dissolved in 1 mL of 90% methanol and then applied to a high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) with glycyrrhizin, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin or poncirin for quantitative or qualitative analysis. Results: There were no gross changes in HPTLC-based compositional band-patterns of the three herbal mixture according to the storage conditions and period. The major components of each herb, glycyrrhizin, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin and poncirin, showed slight time-dependent reduction in their contents both at room and cold temperature for 8 weeks. Conclusion: We could conclude that the current herbal decoction is generally safe for the stability at both RT or CT for at least 8 weeks. Nevertheless, we proposed that further advanced studies are required for more multiple herbal mixtures and longer storage periods.

Background and Objectives: Sinusitis, referring to an inflammatory disease that occurs on the mucus membrane inside the sinus, is one of the most common diseases in the otorhinolaryngology area. In oriental clinic, Sunbanghwalmyungeum (SHE) has been used as a primary prescription to treat inflammatory diseases and intumescence and to treat sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of SHE on acute sinusitis induced mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: the normal group, the group inoculated with S. pneumoniae which caused them allergic rhinitis (control group), and the group treated with the SHE extract after it was treated the same as the control group (sample group). We investigated the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation by SHE and the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Results: NF-${\kappa}B$ activation was suppressed, and iNOS & COX-2 production were inhibited by SHE in acute sinusitis. IL-4 and STAT 6 also appeared to be suppressed. The number of eosinophils in the sample group noticeably decreased when compared to the control group. In the general morphologic change, the increase of damaged respiratory ciliated epithelium & eosinophil's infiltration were decreased in the sample group. Goblet cells were maintained in the sample group. MIP-2 and HSP-70 decreased in the sample group. Apocrine secretion decreased in the sample group. Conclusion: The results suggest that SHE is significantly effective in the treatment of inflammation caused by acute sinusitis through the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate distribution of pattern identification by age in stroke patients. Methods: From 1 April, 2007 to 29 September, 2008, 903 patients within a month after onset of stroke were included. Stroke patients were interviewed by oriental medicine doctors who used standard operation procedures for this study. A questionnaire was completed by a question-and-answer form between patients and doctors after explanation of details to patients and patients' agreement given. Results: Distributions of pattern identification in stroke patients differed by age groups. Dampness-Phlegm pattern was more common in the younger group aged under 80 years, while Yin-Deficiency pattern was more common in the older group aged over 80 years. Conclusions: In this study, we found a character of distribution of pattern identification by age in stroke patients within one month after stroke onset. We have concluded that these differences should be considered in the management and treatment of stroke patients.

Objectives: We intended to identify differences of general symptoms related to existence & nonexistence of uterine myoma. Methods: We surveyed 948 women from 35 to 45 years old who had received Korean oriental medical questionnaires about general symptom patterns and abdominal & pelvic ultrasonography at Kyung-Hee University medical center from May 2007 to October 2008. After we divided the women into two (uterine myoma or normal) groups by ultrasonography result, we compared general symptom patterns of the uterine myoma group with those of the normal group. Results: In relation to digestion pattern, appetite showed statistically significant difference between the normal and uterine myoma groups. In relation to evacuation pattern, stool frequency showed statistically significant difference between the normal and uterine myoma groups. In relation to psychologic pattern, difference in oppression in the chest & palpitation showed statistical significance between the groups. In relation to the other patterns, differences in throat discomfort & hypertonicity of nape neck showed statistical significance between the normal and uterine myoma groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: The result showed that prevalence of uterine myoma should be considered in respect to digestion pattern, evacuation pattern, and psychologic pattern. We need further study after increasing the size of the uterine myoma group and improvement of general symptom questionnaires.