• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.559-592
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• 1999

It has been known that Ki(氣) energy is very effective on many adult diseases. Oriental Medicine has acknowledged Ki as an existing reality and investigated its effects on the body. However, the existence of Ki has not been fully explained. In order to find a conclusive evidence on the existence of Ki, this experiment was done to study the mutual relationship of Ki with a magnetic field and BEP (biological energy projector). The BEP apparatus was irradiated under the magnetic field on rats in the hyperlipidemic induced state. Following criterias were measured in this experiment: weight change, weight of the visceral organs, serum, hepatic lipid peroxide, bleeding time, tissue factor, and etc. The following results were obtained in this study: 1. The weight of rat significantly decreased in the magnetic field treated group and radically reduced in the group treated with both magnetic field and BEP. 2. The weight of liver, heart, and kidney increased in both the magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP group compared to the normal group, but decreased in comparison to the control group. No changes were witnessed in the weight of spleen. 3. Serum and hepatic total cholesterol, total lipid, and lipid peroxide level significantly decreased in both magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated group, while lipase activity has increased noticeably. 4. Serum HDL showed a significant increase in both magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated group compared to the control group, while LDL and VLDL level decreased significantly. 5. A bleeding time significantly increased in both magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated group compared to the control group. A tissue factor value of the lung decreased in the magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated groups while increased in the control group. 6. Serum and hepatic lipid peroxide and glutathione level were significantly decreased in the magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated group, while hepatic glutathione level was significantly increased compared to the control group. 7. A significant increase was found in the serum hydroxyl radical and SOD activity in the dietary hyperlipidemic rats, and significant decrease was found in the serum lipid peroxide content and superoxidase activity. 8. Hepatic cytosolic enzyme xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase showed a significant decrease in the magnetic field treated group and magnetic field+BEP treated group. Through the above experimental results, one can suggest that the magnetic field with BEP can suppress hyperlipidemia and boost lipid metabolism and restructuring a lipid in liver, which increases the function of liver. To conclude, BEP is considered to show more potent effects under the exposure of magnetic field because magnetic field seems to increase the flow of Ki in the body.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.237-242
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• 2013

We investigated the 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) content of extracts from silkworm larvae at each developmental stage within three silkworm varieties. We also compared the content of the following polyhydroxylated alkaloids in the silkworm extracts: 1-DNJ, fagomine, and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB). In addition, we evaluated the glucose-lowering effects of silkworm extract powder in db/db mice. The 1-DNJ content was the highest in Yeonnokjam $5^{th}$ instar $3^{rd}$ d larvae and Hansaengjam $5^{th}$ instar $3^{rd}$ d larvae, which contained 18.4 mg/100 g dry weight and 18.3 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. The $5^{th}$ instar $3^{rd}$ d larvae exhibited a higher content of 1-DNJ than that of $5^{th}$ instar $5^{th}$ d larvae among all varieties. The glucose-lowering effects of silkworm extracts and Yeonnokjam powder were tested on db/db mice, and the blood glucose levels were found to decrease significantly in the YR70 group. Silkworm extracts (180 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 45 mg/kg, and 22.5 mg/kg) and acarbose (50 mg/kg) were administered orally for 4 wk. Changes in water intake were not statistically significant between control and silkworm extract-treated groups. Compared to the control group, blood glucose levels in the silkworm extract powder-treated group decreased in the 22.5 mg/kg/d group after being administered for 4 wk. This decrease was statistically significant. Furthermore, biochemical changes in the AST(Aspartate aminotransferase), ALT(Alanine aminotransferase), TCHO(Total Cholesterol), TG(Triglyceride), LDL(Low density lipoprotein), and HDL(High density lipoprotein) levels in blood were not observed. However, statistically significant decreases in blood GLU in the 22.5 mg/kg/d group compared to that of the control group occurred. In addition, the epididymal fat weight of the silkworm extract powder-treated group decreased significantly in both the 22.5 mg/kg/d group and 180 mg/kg/d group compared to that of the control group, but there were no statistically significant changes in perirenal fat weight. These results demonstrate that silkworm extracts inhibit changes in blood glucose levels in model diabetic mice.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.52-68
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the weight loss effects of auricular acupuncture in obese patients. Methods: Six databases (Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], Korean studies Information Service System [KISS], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], PubMed, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]) were searched up to May 20, 2020. Eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included the present study. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and a meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager software. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis was performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity, identify the selection of acupuncture methods and explore its contributions to the weight loss effects. Results: Among 8 trials, 5 trials used auricular acupuncture and 2 trials used auricular acupressure, 1 trial used both types of intervention. Most commonly selected acupoints were Shenmen (TF4) and stomach (CO4). Treatment duration was six to twelve weeks, and total treatment session was six to twelve. Compared to the control groups, auricular acupuncture significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) and ghrelin. For the selection of acupuncture methods, both methods performed similarly in most outcome except waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and triglycerides (TG). Conclusions: We found that auricular acupuncture can be effective for weight loss and controlling appetite. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. So further vigorous and well-designed studies should be conducted to strengthen the evidence of the use of auricular acupuncture for obesity.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.335-339
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• 2003

This research was concentrated to Investigate the effects of Insumon as a newly developed dietary supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes. The average glycated hemoglobin level was dropped from 7.0${\pm}$1.1％ to 6.7${\pm}$0.9％ after 8 weeks with statistic significance (p＝0.0202). For patients of HbA1c over 7％, the average HbA1c significantly decreased from 8.1${\pm}$0.8％ to 7.5${\pm}$0.8％ (p＝0.0171). The average fasting blood glucose level was decreased significantly from 9.5${\pm}$1.2 mmol/L (171.6${\pm}$22.3 mg/dL) to 8.5${\pm}$1.5 mmol/L (152.3${\pm}$26.3 mg/dL) (p=0.0262) after 4 weeks and to 8.8${\pm}$1.5 mmol/L (158.3${\pm}$24.1 mg/dL) (p=0.0445) after 8 weeks in the group of patients of FBG of over 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL). The average HDL cholesterol level was increased significantly after 8 weeks from 1.2${\pm}$0.2 mmol/L (46.5${\pm}$8.6 mg/dL) to 1.3${\pm}$0.3 mmol/L (51.6${\pm}$10.9 mg/dL) (p=0.0007). Thus, these results suggested that patients with type 2 diabetes might benefit by Insumon as a herbal dietary supplement without any serious side effects.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.17-37
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• 2006

Objectives : To observe the changes in the serum proteins after intravenous injection of cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture. Methods : Blood was collected before and after the administration of cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture and only the serum was taken. Then differences in the spots on the scanned image after carrying out 2-Dimensional electrophoresis were located and conducted mass analysis and protein identification. Results : Following results were obtained from the comparative analysis of serum proteins before and after the administration of cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture. 1. 28 spots were identified before and after the administration. 2. In confirming manifestation degree, spots with more than two-times increase were 204, 1302, 2205, 3105, 7104, 8006, spots with more than one-time increase were 1101, 1505, 2013, 2403, 3009, 3010, 4002, 4009, 6704, 8101, and spots with decrease were 205, 801, 803, 3205, 5202, 6105, 6106, 7103, 9001, 9003. 3. After conducting protein identification, proteins 205, 804, 1302, 4009, 6105, 6106 are unidentified yet, and 1l01 is unnamed protein. Protein 204 is identified as complement receptor CR2-C3d, 801 as YAPl protein, 803 as antitrypsin polymer, 1505 as PRO0684, 2013 and 3010 as proapolipoprotein, 2205 as USP48, 2403 as vitamin D binding protein, 3009 as complement component 4A preprotein, 3105 as immunoglobulin lambda chain, 3205 as transthyretin, 4002 as Ras-related protein Ral-A, 4204 as beta actin, 5202 and 7104 as apolipoprotein Ll, 6704 as alpha 2 macroglobulin precursor, 7103 as complement component 3 precursor, 8006 as testis-specific protein Y, 8101 as transferrin, 9001 as (Alpha-Oxy, Beta-(Cl12g)deoxy) T-State Human Hemoglobin, and 9003 as human hemoglobin. 4. Immune protein CR2-C3d(204), which acts against microbes and pathogenic organisms, was increased by more than two-times after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 5. Antitrypsin(803), which is secreted with inflammatory response in the lungs, was reduced after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 6. Proapolipoprotein(2013, 3010) and apolipoprotein(7104), key components of the HDL-cholesterol which plays an important role in preventing arteriosclerosis, were increased after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 7. Vitamin D binding protein(DBP, 2403), protecting the lung at the time of inflammatory response, was increased after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 8. Transthyretin(TTR, 3205), which is the main protein causing familial amyloid polyneuropathy(FAP), was decreased after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 9. Ras-related protein Ral-A(4002) that controls phospholipid metabolism, cytoskeletal formation, and membrane traffic, was increased after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 10. Testis-specific protein Y(8006), which takes part in determination of the gender, was increased by more than two-times after the administration of pharmacopuncture. 11. Transferrin(8101), which balances the iron level in the body, was increased after the administration of pharmacopuncture. Conclusion : Above results support the notion that intravenous injection of cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture induce changes in serum proteins and this research can be a pioneer work in finding biomarkers.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.148-153
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• 2015

Allium hookeri is a plant species native to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China. The plant is widely cultivated in Korea lately as a medicinal food item. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Allium hookeri (A. hookeri) on lipid metabolism in Type II diabetic mice (n=8/group, 5 groups). High fat diets with dextrin as a positive control (Dex), leaf (AL), root (AR), and fermented root (FAR) at 3% of diet were fed to all experimental mouse, respectively for 8 weeks. Body weight gain, liver and epididymal fat weights, and excreted fecal lipid levels were measured. Serum and hepatic lipid profiles were analyzed, and fat accumulation in liver was evaluated. In this study, body weight gain and epididymal fat weight were lower in the FAR group, while serum HDL-cholesterol level and excreted fecal total lipid and triglyceride levels were higher in AL or FAR groups. These results suggest that A. hookeri, specially fermented root can be a useful food item to control lipid metabolism in diabetic mice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.605-610
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• 2007

This experimental study was performed to evaluate the effects of ehtanol extract of Purple Solanum tuberosum L(EPSTL) on obesity and hyperlipidemia in rats induced by high fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal group, control group, EPSTL (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) treated group. EPSTL was orally administered to the obese rats by high fat diet for 6 weeks. The effect of EPSTL on obesity and hyperlipidemia were examined in vitro and in vivo as follows : EPSTL effectively inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a concentration dependent manner. EPSTL significantly lowered body weight of rats fe high fat diet for 6 weeks from 4 weeks treatment compared with untreated control. EPSTL significantly reduced the weight of retroperitoneal fat only at 100 mg/kg and epididymal fat pad in rats fed high fat diet for 4 weeks at 100 and 200 mg/kg. EPSTL significantly reduced the level of triglyceride at 200 mg/kg, while EPSTL tended to lower the levels of total lipid and phospholipid in rats fed high fat diet for 4 weeks with no significance. EPSTL significantly attenuated the level of total cholesterol, LDL and atherosclerosis index (Al) as well as increased the level of HDL at 200 mg/kg. EPSTL significantly reduced the levels of total lipid and triglyceride of hepatic tissues in rats fed high fat diet for 4 weeks at 200 mg/kg. EPSTL significantly lowered the level of insulin, while it did not affect leptin compared with untreated control. Taken together, these results suggest that EPSTL can be used for the treatment or prevention of hyperlipidemia and obesity.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.237-246
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate of the associations of Alcoholic & Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(AFLD & NAFLD) with metabolic syndrome(MS) defined by IDF criteria. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 799 adult males with alcohol consumption underwent laboratory investigation(control 297, alcoholic 206, nonalcoholic 296). The ultrasound scan of the liver was performed to determine the presence and the severity of FLD. We analyzed the association between the severity of AFLD & NAFLD and MS by logistic regression analysis. The distribution of metabolic syndrome was 7.4%, 48.8%, 34.9% in control, AFLD & NAFLD. The association of blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, obesity were risk factor in AFLD & NAFLD. According to the severity of FLD, AFLD was significantly increased with MS, Obesity, low HDL-cholesterol. MS, High triglycerides was increased significantly in NAFLD(p<0.05). The prevalence of AFLD & NAFLD was increased with increasing the number of features of metabolic syndrome. This study shows that AFLD & NAFLD was closely associated with MS and its components. The patients of AFLD & NAFLD should managed and monitored to prevent metabolic abnormalities.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 2003

Objectives : The lipolytic effects of catecholamines in adipose tissue are mediated by members of adrenergic receptors. This study was conducted to examine the effects of ${\beta}2-AR$ Gln27Glu (Q27E) polymorphism on obesity indices and risk among obesity clinic patients. Methods : 532 subjects, 38 men and 494 women, who attended a weight loss program in a local obesity clinic were analyzed. Height, weight, BMI, WHR and obesity index were measured or calculated. Body composition was measured by bio-impedance analysis. Genotype of ${\beta}2-AR$ polymorphism in codon 27 was analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Serum concentrations of fasting glucose, total and HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride were determined by autobiochemical analyzer. Results: The Genotype distributions of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene were QQ type 81.3%, QE type 17.9% and EE type 8%. Therefore, the frequency of E allele of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene was 0.170 in the total subjects. The frequency of the ${\beta}2-AR$ variant genotype(QE+EE) was significantly higher in obese group($BMI{\geqq}25$) compared with non-obese group(p=0.027). Weight was significantly higher in variant(QE+EE) type compared with normal(QQ) type in total subjects(p=0.001), male(p=0.022) and female(p=0.013). BMI, obesity index and WHR were also significantly higher in QE+EE type. Body fat man was significantly higher in QE+EE type in total subjects(p=0.005) and female(p=0.027). When forward stepwise regression analysis was used to create a model of risk predictors of obesity($BMI{\geqq}25$), QE+EE type of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene was found to be a significant risk factor for obesity (p=0.042, ORs 1.597). Conclusions: QE+EE genotype of ${\beta}2-AR$ was associated with increased obesity indices and might be a significant risk factor for obesity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.546-554
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• 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. Methods: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. Results: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01578837;