• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.42-54
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• 2023

Objectives This study aims to identify differences in clinical manifestations of COVID-19 between different Sasang constitution. Methods Subjects were recruited from August 29, 2022, to July 11, 2023. COVID-19 clinical symptoms were self-reported via questionnaires. Sasang constitutional diagnosis was performed using the K-PRISM, and Sasang constitutional specialist. Results A total of 66 subjects were recruited for the study, and the Sasang constitutional distribution of the subjects was 19 soyangin, 25 taeeumin, and 22 soeumin. For most of the COVID-19 clinical manifestations, the study found that soyangin experienced symptoms at a higher rate than other constitutions. Among the symptoms observed in the study, sore throat, pantalgia, and cough were severe in all subjects regardless of constitution. Soeumin was more likely to experience abdominal pain, chest pain, and diarrhea, while soyangin was more likely to experience chest pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and cutaneous symptoms compared to other constitutions. Taeeumin had more sputm, nasal congestion, and skin symptoms, but fewer digestive symptoms. There were differences in the onset and duration of symptoms by constitution. Conclusions This study is an important contribution to our understanding of the differences in response to the COVID-19 virus among different Sasang constitutions. Symptomatic differences between constitutions may have important implications for prevention and treatment strategies for infectious diseases, and personalized treatment and management based on these differences may be needed in the future.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1118-1138
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• 2023

Objectives: Sarcopenia is an age-associated skeletal muscle disorder that can profoundly impact the health of elderly people. However, the efficacy of herbal medicine in sarcopenia is uncertain. This review aims to investigate evidence of the effect of herbal medicine on sarcopenia. Methods: We systematically searched 12 electronic databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Only trials that met the inclusion criteria were selected, and the characteristics of the included studies were extracted and synthesized in a narrative manner. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 tool. Results: 7 RCTs involving 672 participants with sarcopenia met the inclusion criteria. The intervention combining herbal medicine and conventional treatment (i.e., exercise, nutritional support) had a significant therapeutic effect compared with the conventional treatment, showing improvement in muscle strength (i.e., grip strength), muscle mass (i.e., appendicular skeletal muscle mass index), and physical function (i.e., gait speed, short physical performance battery, and timed up and go test). However, the methodological quality of the included RCTs was relatively low due to their high RoB, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of herbal medicine in sarcopenia. In terms of safety, several adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This review suggests that herbal medicine has a positive effect on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in elderly patients with sarcopenia, but there is a clear need for further research in this area.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.30-47
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to investigate anti-depressive effects of Samul-tanggahyangbuja (SGH) on ovariectomized and chronic mild stress (CMS) induced rats. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were exposed to CMS for 4 weeks. Changes of depression behavior were tested by using sucrose intake test (SIT), elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swimming test (FST) and Morris water maze test (MWMT) in rats until being orally medicated with SGH (100 or 400 mg/kg/day). In addition, the serum levels of corticosterone (CORT), IL-4, IL-$1{\beta}$ and changes of 5-HT in the brain were measured. Results: 1. SGH 400 mg/kg treated group (SGH 400) significantly increased amount of sucrose intake compared with the control group (p<0.05). 2. SGH 100 mg/kg treated group (SGH 100) and SGH 400 significantly increased the time spent in the open arms of the EPM compared with the control group (p<0.01). SGH 400 also significantly increased the number of crossing of the open and closed arms compared with the control group (p<0.05). 3. SGH significantly shortened the immobility time in FST compared with the control group (SGH 100 p<0.05, SGH 400 p<0.01). 4. SGH significantly increased performance of acquisition trials compared with the control group (p<0.05, on day 4, 5 of SGH 100 and 400). SGH 400 also significantly increased performance of retention trials compared with the control group (p<0.05). 5. The serum levels of corticosterone and IL-4 were not significantly different among the groups. There were no changes on the serum levels of corticosterone, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-4 after administration with SGH. 6. SGH 400 significantly increased the level of 5-HT in the hippocampus compared with the control group (p<0.05). SGH significantly increased the levels of 5-HT in the hypothalamus compared with the control group (SGH 100 p<0.05, SGH 400 p<0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that SGH has the anti-depressive effect on ovariectomized rat and affect 5-HT system rather than hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune system.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.49-70
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• 2017

Objectives: The present study is to observe the skin-regeneration, anti-wrinkle, whitening and skin moisturizing effects of Cheongsangbangpung-tang (CSBPT) with cytotoxicity. Methods: In the present study, cytotoxicity of CSBPT lyophilized aqueous extracts (yield=18.71%) was experimented against human normal fibroblast cells and B16F10 murine melanoma cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, and skin regeneration and anti-wrinkle effects were also showed through the assay of collagen type I synthesis by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit as comparing with transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$, hyaluronidase, collagenase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 inhibitory assays as comparing with oleanolic acid (OA), and elastase inhibitory effects as comparing with phosphoramidon disodium salt (PP). In addition, whitening effects of CSBPT were observed by tyrosinase inhibitory assay and melanin formation test in B16/F10 melanoma cells as comparing with arbutin, and skin moisturizing effects were measured through mouse skin water contents test, respectively. Results: No CSBPT treatment related cytotoxic effects were demonstrated against human normal fibroblast cells and B16/F10 murine melanoma cells. CSBPT concentration-dependent increased collagen type I synthesis at human normal fibroblast cells. It also effectively suspreessed hyaluronidase, collagenase, elastase and MMP-1 activities, which were enzymes that related to declining of ECM and formation of wrinkle. CSBPT supressed B16/F10 melanoma cells's melanin productions with tyrosinase activity, which was an enzyme connected with melanin formation, and dose-dependent and significant increases of skin water contents were detected in CSBPT treated mouse skin as compared with vehicle control skins. Conclusions: CSBPT showed favorable and enough skin regeneration, anti-wrinkle, whitening and skin moisturizing effects at least in a condition of this experiment. However, more detail mechanism and in vivo skin protective efficacy studies should be conducted in future with the screening of the biological active compounds in individual herbs of Cheongsangbangpung-tang.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.16-36
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-climacterium effects of Jibaekjihwang-tang (JBJHT), especially on estrogenic, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective against fatty liver and anti-osteoporotic effects by Ovariectomy (OVX) mice. Methods: In order to evaluate anti-climacterium effects of JBJHT, we used bilateral OVX female ddY mice. In this study, six groups were used; sham control, OVX control, estradiol, JBJHT 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg treated groups. Since 28 days after OVX surgery, JBJHT extracts were orally treated, and $17{\beta}$-estradiol $0.03{\mu}g/head$ were subcutaneously injected for 84 days, once a day. And then, we observed anti-climacterium effects classified into five categories; estrogenic, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective against fatty liver and anti-osteoporotic effects. The results were compared with $17{\beta}$-estradiol $0.03{\mu}g/head$/day subcutaneous treated OVX mice. Results: OVX control mice showed noticeable hypertrophic changes of adipocytes in abdominal fat pads, fatty liver, uterine atrophic changes, decreases of bone strength were also observed in OVX control. However, these estrogen-deficient climacterium symptoms were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by JBJHT 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg treatment. Moreover, JBJHT 500 mg/kg showed comparable inhibitory effects as compared to those of estradiol $0.03{\mu}g/head$/day subcutaneous treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that oral administration of JBJHT 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg has clear dose-dependent anti-climacterium effects in OVX mice.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.95-118
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• 2020

Objectives: The objective of this in vivo study is to observe the analgesic effects or improvements of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts (GJBRHe) on the Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) in rats as compared to those of Indomethacin (IND). Methods: The rats were administered with estradiol benzoate for 10 days and oxytocin 1 hour after the last 10th administration of estradiol benzoate to make the primary dysmenorrhea rat model. Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg were orally administrated, for 10 days once a day. Then the changes on the body weights and gains during experimental periods, uterine weights and gross inspections, abdominal writhing response for analgesic activities, uterus lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) levels), antioxidant defense system - glutathione (GSH) contents, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA expressions, were monitored with uterus histopathology and immunohistochemistry for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts were compared to those of Indomethacin adminstered rats. Results: As results of estradiol benzoate and oxytocin treatment, noticeable decreases of body weights and gains, uterus GSH contents, SOD and CAT activities, increases of abdominal writhing responses, uterus lipid peroxidation (MDA level), uterus weights, NF-κB and COX-2 mRNA expressions were observed with increases of TNF-α and iNOS immunolabeled cells, inflammatory cell infiltrations, congestion and enlargement of the uterus at gross and histopathological inspections. These means classic inflammatory and oxidative stress mediated primary dysmenorrhea are relatively well induced. However, these signs were favorably and dose-dependently inhibited by administration of three different dosages of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts, but lesser than those of Indomethacin. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study suggest that Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts has favorable analgesic and refinement activities dose-dependently on the estradiol benzoate and oxytocin treatment-induced primary dysmenorrhea signs.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.193-203
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of ascending kidney water and descending heart fire pharmacopuncture treatment for hot flush and sweating. Methods : Ascending kidney water and descending heart fire pharmacopuncture is achieved by injecting pharmacopuncture on a specific acupoint to change from the state of water-fire disharmony to harmonious state. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (黃連解毒湯) pharmacopuncture is injected on both side Gyeonjeong (GB ₂₁ ), Pungji (GB ₂₀ ). Total 0.4 cc was injected by 0.1 cc each point. BUM (Bear’s gall bladder, ox bezoar and musk) pharmacopuncture is injected on both side Jeonjung (CV ₁₇ ), Jungwan (CV ₁₂ ), Gihae (CV ₆ ). Total 0.15 cc was injected by 0.05 cc each point. Treatment was done daily. The method of evaluation are Hot Flush Score (HFS), VAS and sweating areas. Results : In case 1, after treatment hot flush score was reduced from 24 to 4 points. VAS scale was reduced from 7 to 2. It took about two weeks for the symptoms to decrease by half. Associated symptoms almost did not stay at discharge. In case 2, after treatment hot flush score was reduced from 28 to 2 points. VAS scale was reduced from 10 to 3. And emotional symptoms were reduced about 70%. In case 3, after treatment hot flush score was reduced from 8 to 1 points. VAS scale was reduced from 6 to 1. And headache and chest discomfort symptoms have disappeared. Conclusions : Ascending kidney water and descending heart fire pharmacopuncture treatment is effective for improve ascending kidney water and descending heart fire energy. Therefore, it will be used to alleviate hot flush and sweating.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.16-38
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• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this in vivo study is to observe the anti-osteoporotic activities of Gojineumja aqueous extracts (GJEJ) on the ovariectomized (OVX) mice as compared to those of risedronate sodium (RES). Methods: Thirty five days after bilateral OVX, GJEJ was orally administered, for 35 days once a day and then the changes on the body weight and gain during experimental periods, femur weights, bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength (failure load), mineral contents - calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (IP), histological profiles and histomorphometrical analyses at sacrifice were conducted with serum biochemistry - osteocalcin contents and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activities. And the results of GJEJ were compared with RES orally administered OVX mice. Results: As a result of OVX, noticeable increase of body weight and gains and serum osteocalcin levels, decrease of serum BALP activities, femur weights, femur Ca and IP contents, BMD and strength were observed as compared to those of sham control mice, respectively. Also, the decrease of all histomorphometrical indices indicating the bone mass and structure, and the increase of indices about resorption were also detected in the femur of OVX control. However, these estrogen-deficient osteoporotic signs were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by 35 days of continuous oral treatment of GJEJ, at dose levels of 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg, respectively. Especially, GJEJ 500 mg/kg showed favorable inhibitory activities against estrogen-deficient osteoporosis symptoms induced by OVX as comparable to those of RES 2.5 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results in this study suggest that oral administrations of GJEJ have clear dose-dependent favorable anti-osteoporotic activities in OVX mice.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.165-178
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• 2018

Objectives: To determine the current status of the treatment of breast cancer patients by Korean Medicine doctors (KMDs) and to examine the need for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the supportive care of these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were asked about their experience in treating breast cancer patients; the number of breast cancer patients they currently treat; the main complaints expressed by, diagnoses of, and treatments used for such patients; and their opinions about Korean Medicine (KM) as the basis for providing supportive care for breast cancer. Results: The data for this study were collected from 322 respondents. 84 of whom reported having ever treated patients with breast cancer. Most breast cancer patients who visited the KM clinic were classified as stage I or II, and their major complaints were fatigue, general weakness and musculoskeletal pain. The major diagnostic strategies were syndrome differentiation and pulse diagnosis. The major treatments administered were herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. KMDs cited a need for medical information, such as CPGs, as their most important concern with regard to the treatment of breast cancer patients. Conclusions: This survey determined the prevalence of the use of KM for Korean breast cancer patients. Our results underscore the need for clinical practice guidelines for using of KM as the basis of supportive care for breast cancer and for informing clinicians and patients about this approach.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.45-60
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• 2002

Mouse calvarial osteoblast cells were isolated and cultured. To examine whether the cells produce active gelatinases in culture medium or not,the cells were analyzed using by zymograsphic analysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We show that mouse calvarial osteoblasts in culture constitutively synthesize progelatinase- A. Then, mouse osteoblasts, which were stimulated by PTH, $1,25(OH)_2D_3$, mononuclear cell conditioned medium (MCM) and IL-1 as bone resorption agent's, showed increased collagenolysis by producing the active gelatinase. However, treatment of indomethacin and dexamethasone significantly decreased those effects of collagenolysis in mouse osteoblastic cells. On the other hand, IL-1 in stimulating bone resorption was examined using fetal mouse long bone organ culture. IL-1 stimulated bone resorption and produced marked resorption when present simultaneously. Furthermore, when it was examined the effects of indomethacin and dexamethasone on the dose dependent responses of $IL-1{\alpha}$, indomethacin and dexametasone produced a rightward shift in the IL-1 dose response curve. The results of in vitro cytotoxicities showed that Taeyoungjon-Jahage water extracts(T.Y.J-J.H.G extracts) have no any cytotoxicities in concentrations of $1-200\;{\mu}g/ml$ and furthermore there is no any cytotoxicity even in concentration of $300\;{\mu}g/ml$ on mouse calvarial bone cells. T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts had protective activity against PTH (2 units/mI), or MCM (5%, v/v), or $rhIL-1{\alpha}$ (1 ng/mI) or $1,25(OH)_2D3$ (10 ng/ml) , $IL-1{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ collagenolysis in the mouse calvarial cells. Pretreatment of the T.Y.J.-J.H.G.extracts for 1 h, which by itself had little effect on cell survival, did not enhance the collagenolysis, nor significantly reduced the collagenolysis by pretreatment. Furthermore. the medicinal extracts were shown to have the protective effects against collagenolysis induced by $IL-1{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$. Pretreatment of the extracts for 1 h significantly reduced the collagenolysis. Interestingly, the T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts were shown to have the inhibiting effects against gelatinase enzyme and processing activity induced by the bone resortion agents of PTH, $1,25(OH)_2D_3$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $IL-1{\alpha}$, with strong protective effect in pretreatment with the extracts. T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts were shown to have the inhibiting effects against $IL-1{\alpha}-$ and $IL-1{\beta}-stimulated$ bone resorption and the effect of the pretreatment with a various concentrations of the medicinal extracts were significant. The inhibition extent and phenomena of IL-1 stimulated bone resorption by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents of indomethacin and dexamethasone were similar to those obtained by T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts treatment in the mouse calvarial tissue culture system. These results indicated that the T.Y.J.-J.H.G.-water extracts are highly stable and applicable to clinical uses in osteoporosis.