• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.57-69
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to know the effects of the bee venom pharmacopuncture on muscle activity and pain reception of trapezius and deltoid the upper limbs muscles. Methods : We allocated healthy volunteers into two groups. After having exercise with barbell for load to trapezius and deltoid, we measured sEMG(surface electromyography) and VAS(visual analogue scale). In a moment, inject bee venom pharmacopuncture and saline each group. After 30 minutes, we measured sEMG and VAS again. We compared before and after sEMG and VAS data. Results : On sEMG data, bee venom pharmacopuncture had effects on muscle fatigue on left trapezius, muscle fatigue and fatigue and recovery on right trapezius and both deltoid. On VAS data, values of bee venom pharmacopuncture decreased more than that of saline. Conclusions : These results show that bee venom pharmacopuncture have effects on muscle activity aid pain reception of trapezius and deltoid the upper limbs muscle. But further studies should be carried out to verify the exact effects of bee venom.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2001

In Oriental Medicine, mononeuropathy belongs to or . Common peroneal neuropathy(CPN) is the most frequently encountered mononeuropathy in the lower extremity. It is usually caused by direct surgery injury, compression, leg crossing, trauma, traction etc, occasionally by nerve tumor. A 47-year-old healthy man was complained of the sudden development of left foot drop and sensory manifestation owing to suspected compression and habitual leg-crossing. Acupuncture along with bee-venom acupuncture, moxibustion was performed mainly at Stomach and Gallbladder Meridian specially ST36, ST37, ST40, GB34 and GB39. Nerve conduction study and electromyography was also performed three times. Symtoms was relieved fast, and full recovery took about 110 days. Acupuncture and bee-venom acupuncture are considered to be beneficial to CPN. More clinical trials and studies are needed.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.73-86
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• 2001

Objective : These case study were made to evaluate and observe the treatment for the Herpes-Zoster through the korean oriental medicine. Method : Clinical observation and analysis about 4 cases of Herpes-zoster including the Ramsay's-hunt syndrome had been done the patients of the Sang-Ji Oriental Medicine Hospital. These cases were mainly treated with oriental medicine using the Herb medication, Korean Bee-Venom therapy, Acupuncture and Electro-acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture technic was mainly used Sa-Am acupuncture(Four needle technique). Result : After treatment, all of cases were completely cured without any complication. Conclusion : Based on the clinical results, Korean Oriental Medicine is believed to be effective for treating Herpes-zoster, and further studies should be conducted to provide more valuable information.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.75-89
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture and Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Methods : From February to September 2010, the number of patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome who volunteered for this clinical study was 16 and 7 out of 16 patients complained both hands. Total 23 cases of hands were randomly divided by 2 groups. We injected Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture on PC7(Daereung) twice a week for 4weeks for experimental group(n=11), and Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture with the same methods for control group(n=12). One case was dropped out due to itchiness of allergic response in the experimental group. Improvement of the symptoms was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale, Pain Rating Scale, Tinel's sign, Phalen's sign and Nerve Conduction Velocity. Nerve Conduction Velocity was checked at baseline and the end of the trial and others were checked at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks. Results : Both groups showed significant improvement in Visual Analogue Scale, Pain Rating Scale, but no significant difference between two groups. Only the control group showed significant reduction of the 'poitive response' in the Tinel's sign and Phalen's sign. However, no groups improved in Nerve Conduction Velocity. Conclusions : These results showed that Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture and Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture could decrease the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Further studies will be required to examine more cases for the long period and use more various concentration and amount pharmacopuncture for the effect on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.149-159
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• 2000

Bee-venom Acupucture has good effect on pain control but We may be anxious about the problem of side-effect. Bee-venom components are composed of phospholipase $A_2$, hyaluronidase, melitin, apamin, MCD peptide, citrate and so on. Especially Apamin, MCD peptide and histamine cause severe reacting that is named Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute system reaction of multiple organ systems to an IgE-mediated immunologic mediator release in previously sensitized individuals. Respiratory and dermatologic manifestations are the most commonly expressed clinical features of anaphylaxis, and a majority of anaphylactic reactions initially appear to be localized to these two systems. Anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom are expressed clinically ulticaria, itching sensation, erythema, dizziness, nausea, hypotension and so on. Especially ulticaria and erythema are end points of increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation at the other extreme of the clinical spectrum, Gastrointestinal mucosal edema and smooth muscle contraction can result in cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, we have observed anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom in 11 patients, who visited WonKwang University Kunpo Oriental Medical Center, treated bee venom. The results were summarized as follows : 1. The patient distribution ratio, in regard to sex, was shown to be 1 : 2.67 for male to females. In regard to age, it was shown that people in their 30's was the most predominant case, followed by people in their 20's, 30's, 50's and 60's, respectively. 2. When Anaphylaxis was occured, it was observed to abnormality of CBC, LFT, IgE, IgG. 3. In regard to patient condition, it was observed that fatigue was most frequent. 4. In regard to the number of times and quantity of bee venom inj., it was observed that anaphylaxis is most frequent at 7-10 times(1.6-2.0cc) 5. In regard to duration of reaction, it was observed that people in their l0min' was most frequent. In disappearing duration of anaphylaxic reaction, The results showed under 60min lcases(9%), 60-120min 7cases(64%) and 180-240min 3cases(27%). 6. In symptoms of anaphylaxis, The results showed hypotension 8cases(19%), itching sensation 7cases(16%), nausea 4cases(9%), erythema 4cases(9%) and dizziness 4cases(9%). In mentality, The results showed drowsy 8case(73%) and alert 3cases(27%). 7. Generally, patients were treated with Avil, Dexa IM and PDS, peniramine, cimetidine, Q-zyme per os after H/S, N/S inj. $O_2$ was supplied according to patient's symptom. In 1 severe case, Dopamine was iv injected.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.27-40
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• 2010

Background and Objective : Increasing interest in anti-aging and anti-wrinkling agents for the skin has triggered the recent outflow of researches and studies in this field. This study was designed to investigate the effects of bee venom on skin wrinkling and skin aging by testing the skin wrinkling, skin elasticity, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), free radical level, anti-oxidative agent level, and skin tissue after infusion of bee venom on hairless mouse. Materials and Methods : Fifteen hairless mice aged between 36~40 weeks were divided randomly into 3 Group; the Bee Venom Syringe Group, the Bee Venom Needle Group, and the control group. The Bee Venom Syringe Group were injected subcutaneously with bee venom (0.1cc in total) using an insulin syringe on three spots in the lumbar spine (one spot on the center and two spots 1~2cm to the side bilaterally). The Bee Venom Needle Group were pricked with bee venom-smeared acupuncture needles on three longitudinal spots in the lumbar spine each 1cm apart, after which the needles were removed 10 minutes later. The Control Group did not receive any form of intervention. All procedures took place thrice a week for four weeks, during which the mice were allowed free access to water and fodder. The mice were measured and compared in the weight, skin wrinkling scale, skin elasticity, and TEWL before and after the experiment. After the experiment, blood samples were taken to measure the free radical and anti-oxidative agent level, and the skin tissue was sliced for examination. Data was analyzed using the SPSS program (ver 12.0). The ANOVA analysis was used to compare and contrast the three groups, and t-test for paired samples was used to evaluate skin-wrinkling before and after experiment. The cut-off p-value of significance was set at p<0.05. Results : 1. Administration of bee venom did not cause serious weight loss or gain. 2. Compared to the control group, the Bee Venom Syringe Group and the Bee Venom Needle Group both showed a decrease in skin wrinkling scale after intervention. Especially, the Bee Venom Syringe Group showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). 3. Compared to the control group, the Bee Venom Syringe Group and the Bee Venom Needle Group both showed an increase in skin elasticity. Especially, the Bee Venom Syringe Group showed a significant increase (p<0.05). 4. No significant change in TEWL was found in the mice in all the three groups before and after experiment. 5. Free radical level was normal in all 15 mice in all the three groups, and anti-oxidative agent was not significantly different across the three groups. 6. The Bee Venom Syringe Group, the Bee Venom Needle Group, and the control group did not show any significant difference in the thickness of epidermis and dermis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and skin wrinkling. The epidermis layer was relatively better preserved in the Bee Venom Syringe Group as compared to the Bee Venom Needle Group and the control group. Conclusion : Direct injection of bee venom on the hairless mouse using a syringe was found to improve wrinkling of the skin and increase skin elasticity but did not show effectiveness on skin dryness due to water loss. The bee venom appears to have suppressive effects on skin wrinkling, one of the symptoms of skin aging, through a process independent of suppression of free radicals or increase of anti-oxidative agent.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.22-26
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to estimate the effectiveness of burning acupuncture therapy (Hwachim) and sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture (S-BV pharmacopuncture) in treating lateral epicondylitis of elbow. Methods: We selected 33 patients at first, but 13 patients were excluded due to unclear medical records. Finally, a total of 20 patients who had received treatment from January 2012 to December 2013 were included in this study; all 20 patients had undergone Hwachim for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis of elbow, and 19 of the 20 had been treated with S-BV pharmacopuncture (Korea Pharmacopuncture Institute, KPI) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an ancillary treatment method. The degrees of pain of the 20 patients were evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at their first and final visits. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the VAS scores statistically. Results: The VAS score had decreased significantly from $10.00{\pm}0.00$ to $4.00{\pm}2.47$ (P = 0.000) by the end of the treatment. No significant changes were observed based on the number of treatments (P = 0.246), the age of the patients (P = 0.810), the duration of the illness (P = 0.705), and the location of the lesion (P = 0.076). Conclusion: This study suggests Hwachim and S-BV pharmacopuncture are very effective for treating lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.200-207
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• 1999

Herniation of intervertevral disc(HIVD) is the most common disease causing low back pain. Acupuncture, electroacupuncture and moxibustion has been used for treatment of HIVD. Bee venom (BV) also has been traditionally applied to relieve pain. Recently, it has been reported that BV is effective in treating HIVD. But more objective methods were required to assess the efficacy of BV on HlVD. So we assessed of BV-acupuncture effect on herniated disc patients by use of rating scale for low back pain. We researched 22 patients who were treated at Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Kyung Hee Medical Center from January 1999 to June 1999. The patients were diagnosed by MRI as having a herniated disc. The results of treatment using rating scale for low back pain in HIVD showed that $43.77{\pm}14.39$ point of pre-treatment score and $84.5{\pm}3.97$ point post-treatment score. The improvement index showed $0.43{\pm}0.15$. Especially, clinical score of neurologic deficits showed most highest improvement index of $0.7{\pm}0.45$. Assessment of BV-acupuncture Effect by MRI finding were showed that protruded disc and extruded disc got more higher improvement index than bulging disc. Among 22 patients, satisfactory assessment of BV-acupuncture effect showed that 15(68.2%) were excellent, and 7(31.8%) were good. The result suggest that BV-acupuncture is good method for treatment of HIVD.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.229-240
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this report is to show the effect of complex traditional Korean medical care focused on warm needling(WN) and bee venom(BV) injection for a patient suffering from traumatic brachial plexus injury(BPI). Methods : A 51-year-old female patient with BPI was suffering from paresis and hypoesthesia with upper-extremity impairment. The patient had been treated once a day from 4 Feb to 11 Apr of 2015 mainly with WN and BV injection on the acupoints near the distribution of the brachial plexus. Improvement of the symptoms was measured by range of motion(ROM), manual muscle test(MMT) grip strength, and with the numeric rating scale(NRS) of tactile and pain sensitivity. Results : After 67 days of treatment, all obtained results showed remarkable improvement. The patient's satisfaction declaration was recorded through an interview at the end of the treatment. Conclusions : The results suggest that anatomically concerned WN and BV treatment can be a valuable option in reducing or normalizing pains from traumatic BPI.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock caused by bee venom. Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of the patients who experienced anaphylaxis caused by natural bee sting or acupuncture using bee venom from January 1999 to December 2008. Seventy subjects were divided into the shock and non-shock groups. The clinical characteristics, sources of bee venom, treatments and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of the subjects was $45.5{\pm}16.3$ years old and the number of males was 44 (62.9%). There were 25 patients in the shock group and 45 in the non-shock group. The age was older (p=0.001) and females (p=0.003) were more frequent in the shock group. Transportation to the hospital via ambulance was more frequent in the shock group (p<0.001). No difference was found in species of bee between the two groups. The cephalic area, including the face, was the most common area of bee venom in both groups. Anaphylaxis caused by bee sting commonly occurred between July and October. Cutaneous and respiratory symptoms were the most frequent symptoms related to anaphylaxis. Cardiovascular and neurologic symptoms were more frequent in the shock group. The amount of intravenously administered fluid and subcutaneous injection of epinephrine were much more in the shock group than that in the non-shock group. Conclusion: Older age was the factors related to anaphylactic shock caused by bee venom. Further validation is needed to evaluate the gender factor associated with shock.