• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.145-160
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the anti-oxidative effects of electroacupuncture at Wijung (BL40) in rats. Methods : The author performed several experimental items including measurements of body weight, liver index, levels of albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol, LDH, GOT and GPT in blood serum, and levels of SOD, glutathione, catalase, No and MDA (malondialdehyde) in liver, histological analysis of liver. Results : 1. In the BL40-EA group, liver index was decreased significantly compared to those of the control group, the holder group and the sham-EA group. 2. In the BL40-EA group, the albumin level was increased significantly compared to those of the control and holder group. LDL-cholesterol and GOT level were increased significantly compared to those of the control group and the holder group. 3. In the BL40-EA group, the SOD activity & the Catalase activity were decreased significantly compared to those of the control group and the holder group. 4. In the BL40-EA group, the density of liver tissue was more similarly maintained to the normal group compared to those of the control group and the holder group. Conclusion : These results suggest that electroacupuncture at BL40 has an antioxidant effect in human, and hereafter continuous study & clinical application is needed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.219-231
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• 2020

The objective of this study is to propose a Korean medical rehabilitation protocol for total knee replacement (TKR) and to report its effectiveness. This study was conducted as a retrospective study which analyzes the medical records of 4 patients undergoing Korean medical rehabilitation with protocol and continuous passive motion exercise for more than two weeks after TKR. We evaluated the outcome checking physical examination findings of the knee joint, numeric rating scale (NRS), Lysholm knee score (LKS) and walking state. After the treatment, we observed that the function of knee joint, NRS, LKS, walking state of patients were improved. This study showed that Korean medical rehabilitation protocol has effect on knee joint recovery after TKR. The limitation of this study was the insufficient number of cases and short-term follow up. Further studies should be done steadily to report the effectiveness of a Korean Medical rehabilitation protocol for TKR.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.290-300
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• 2022

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of SU-Eohyeol pharmacopuncture (SUEP) by assessing its potential to cause chromosomal abnormalities in Chinese hamster lung cells (CHL/IC). Methods: A dose-curve was conducted to determine the highest dose of SUEP. Doses of 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, and 0.313% were used, and no cytotoxicity or SUEP precipitation was observed. SUEP doses of 10, 5, and 2.5%, with positive and negative controls, were used in a chromosome aberration test. Results: In this study, the frequency of abnormal chromosomal cells in the SUEP group did not show a statistically significant difference from that of the negative control group in short-term treatments with and without metabolic activation and the continuous treatment without metabolic activation. Compared with the negative control group, the positive control group had a significantly higher frequency of cells with structural chromosomal abnormalities. This test's results satisfied all conditions for determining the results. Conclusion: SUEP did not induce chromosomal aberrations under the conditions of this study. Other toxicity evaluations, safety studies in humans, and various clinical trials are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SUEP.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2024

Objectives: Genotoxicity is evaluated through a chromosomal aberration test using cultured mammalian cells to determine the toxicity of no-pain pharmacopuncture (NPP), which has recently been used to treat musculoskeletal pain disorders in Korean medical clinical practice. Methods: An initial test was performed to determine the dosage range of the NPP, followed by the main test. In this study, NPP doses of 10.0, 5.0, and 2.5%, and negative and positive controls were tested. An in vitro chromosome aberration test was performed using Chinese hamster lung cells under short-term treatment with or without metabolic activation and under continuous treatment without metabolic activation. Results: Compared with the saline negative control group, NPP did not significantly increase the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in Chinese hamster lung cells, regardless of the presence or absence of metabolic activation. Additionally, the number of cells with structural chromosomal abnormalities was significantly higher in the positive control group than that in the negative control group that received saline. Conclusion: Based on the above results, the chromosomal abnormality-producing effect of NPP was determined to be negative under these test conditions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.118-132
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• 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Joksamni(ST36) combination on NAD PH-diaphorase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS), neuropeptide Y(NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the cerebral cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rat. Methods: The experimental groups were divided into four groups: Normal, Joksamni(ST36), Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9), and Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11). Needles were inserted into acupoints at the depth of 0.5cm with basic insertion method. Electroacupuncture was done under the condition of 2Hz electrical biphasic pulses with continuous rectangular wave lasting for 0.2ms until the muscles produced visible contractions. Such stimulation was applied continuously for 10 minutes, 1 time every 2 days for 10 sessions of treatments. Thereafter we evaluated changes in NADPH-d positive neurons histochemically and changes in nNOS, NPY and VIP positive neurons immunohistochemically. Results: The optical densities of NADPH-d positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group in all areas of cerebral cortex and Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group in primary somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, auditory cortex, perirhinal cortex were significantly increased as compared to the Joksamni(ST36) group. The optical densities of NADPH-d positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group were significantly decreased as compared to the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group with the exception of primary somatosensory cortex. The optical densities of nNOS positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group in all areas of cerebral cortex and Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group in auditory cortex, perirhinal cortex, insular cortex were significantly increased as compared to the Joksamni(ST36) group. The optical densities of nNOS positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group were significantly decreased in all areas of cerebral cortex as compared to the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group. The optical densities of NPY positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group were significantly decreased in primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, cingulate cortex as compared to the Joksamni (ST36) and Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) groups. The optical densities of VIP positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group were significantly increased in all areas of cerebral cortex except for cingulate cortex as compared to the Joksamni(ST36) group. The optical densities of VIP positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group were significantly decreased in auditory cortex, cingulate cortex, perirhinal cortex as compared to the Joksamni(ST36) group. The optical densities of VIP positive neurons of the Joksamni(ST36)+Gokji(LI11) group were significantly decreased in all areas of cerebral cortex as compared to the Joksamni(ST36)+Eumneungcheon(SP9) group. Conclusions: The result demonstrated that electroacupuncture on Joksamni(ST36) and its combination change the activities of the NO system and peptidergic system in the cerebral cortex of SHR and that acupoint combination is one of the important parameters for the effects.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2006

Some natural products are able to inhibit radiation effects and exert an antitumor effect with fewer adverse reactions; however, their antitumor effects are less than those of widely-used synthetic drugs. Propolis is a natural material that has been attracting attention, and we extracted this material with water and investigated the effect of continuous propolis administration on radioactivity-induced reduction of hemocytes, in addition to the antioxidant and antitumor effects of propolis. Following a 1-week adjustment period, water-soluble propolis was administered intraperitoneally to male ICR mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg every other day for 2 weeks. Following administration, 2 Gy whole-body irradiation was performed and the counts of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood were determined 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after irradiation. These cells were considered since they are closely associated with immunity to radioactivity. In a second experiment, water-soluble propolis was similarly administered to the mice for 2 weeks after a 1-week adjustment period, and 2 Gy whole-body irradiation was performed. The antioxidant effects in hemocytes were then investigated using 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), a radical generator. In a third experiment, $1\;{\times}\;10^6$ Sarcoma-180 cells were inoculated into the right thigh of mice, which were divided into four groups: control, water-soluble propolis-treated, 6 Gy irradiated and water-soluble propolis-treated + 6 Gy irradiated groups, and changes in tumor size were measured for 20 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA for multiple groups. In the three experiments, administration of water-soluble propolis inhibited the reduction of hemocytes caused by whole-body irradiation, showed antioxidant effects against radioactivity, and inhibited tumor growth, respectively. In conclusion, our data suggest that the antioxidant effect of watersoluble propolis inhibits hemocyte reduction caused by whole-body irradiation and enhances immunological inhibition of tumor growth.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.949-957
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to report a case of alcoholic liver disease with jaundice that was improved with Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A patient who developed jaundice due to continuous drinking was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping. Blood tests were performed to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein; AST/ALT ratio; and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Jaundice parameters were subjectively recorded at 3-day intervals. Results: After treatment, the AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GTP, and total bilirubin levels; MCV; and jaundice were decreased. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment appeared to be an effective method for alcoholic liver disease with jaundice.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.173-186
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• 2009

Purpose: 1. To analyze the satisfaction and cognition of postpartum care and to aid the spread of oriental medicine in postpartum care. 2. Get a basic guideline of O.M.D's postpartum care. Methods: We studied the satisfaction and cognition of postpartum care with questionnaire from January 2009 to August 2009, who was treated in ○○ Oriental Medical Postpartum care center during 2 weeks. 61 puerperants answered us. Results: 1. In choosing Postpartum care center, puerperants concerned about new born infants' care(50.8%) and treatment for discomfort after delivery(27.86%). 2. 22 puerperants(36.6%) had a positive view in folk remedy for postpartum care and 34 puerperants(55.73%) thought it would be good to eliminate edema and loose weight. 3. Most of puerperants(80.32%) chose oriental medical postpartum care because they wanted to receive oriental medical treatment. 4. 5 puerperants(8.19%) were very satisfied with oriental medical postpartum care than other type of postparum care which they experienced at first delivery. 47(77.04%) were satisfied, 2(3.27%) were unsatisfied and no one was very satisfied. 5. To the questionnaire about the effect of strength recovery, lochia excretion, edema limination, increasing amount of breastmilk, reducing arthralgia, about 36.8% puerperants showed positive view. 6. The positive view about Acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbal treatment was, respectively, 90.16%, 49.18%, 73.77%, 86.88%. Conclusion: Puerperants were satisfied with oriental medical postpartum care and had positive cognition in oriental medical treatment. There is much capability for extension of oriental medicine in postpartum care. So continuous concern, systemic development and publicity about oriental medical postpartum care are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.127-144
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• 2006

Background and Purpose : Though there were many clinical studies of acupuncture effects they didn't have appropriate control group. So we didn't say it was true acupuncture effect, though subjects in clinical study improved. To investigate the possibility of sham acupuncture application, we examined how well subjects distinguished real acupuncture from sham acupuncture. Methods : We investigate the possibility of sham acupuncture application as the following 3 kinds of methods. 1. The public (n=60) and Oriental Medicine Doctors (n=20) looked at the appearance of acupuncture and then were treated with randomly allocated acupuncture and judged it as real or sham. 2. The public (n=60) and Oriental Medicine doctors (n=20) were treated with randomly allocated acupuncture, then they looked at the appearance of acupuncture and judged it as real or sham. 3. The public (n=60) were treated with randomly allocated acupuncture (right-real-left-sham), (right-sham-left-real), (left-real-right-sham), (left-sham-right-real), then they judged it as real or sham. Results : 1. When the public (n=60) looked at the acupuncture appearance, the correct judgement ratio was 63.3%. After they were treated with acupuncture, the correct judgement ratio was 50.0%. 2. When Oriental Medicine doctors (n=20) looked at the acupuncture appearance, the correct judgement ratio was 25.0%. After they were treated with acupuncture, the correct judgement ratio was 45.0%. 3. When the public (n=60) were treated with acupuncture, the correct judgement ratio was 50.0%. After they looked at the acupuncture appearance, the correct judgement ratio was 63.3%. 4. When Oriental Medicine doctors (n=20) were treated with acupuncture, the correct judgement ratio was 65.5%. After they looked at the acupuncture appearance, the correct judgement ratio was 65.0%. 5. After the public (n=60) were treated with randomly allocated sham or real acupuncture as (right-real-left-sham), (right-sham-left-real), (left-real-right-sham), or (left-sham-right-real). the correct judgement ratio was 66.7% in looking at the acupuncture appearance group, and in not looking at 60.0%. Conclusion : These results indicated that Kim Sham Acupuncture could apply to the double blind clinical study of acupuncture effect. And more continuous studies are needed on Sham Acupuncture apparatus.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.75-88
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the current use of Korean medicine for obesity and its effect for women in climacteric period. Methods: We studied women aged 45-55 who visited Daejeon Korean medicine Hospital of Daejeon University to lose body weight from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 via an analysis of the medical records. The treatment duration was continuous for more than 2 weeks, and a body composition was measured by Inbody 770 at 2 to 4 weeks after the first visit. Results: 28 patients were finally selected and their average age was 49.32±3.38 years. Based on the body mass index (BMI) classification, 19 were in the 1st obesity group, 5 in the 2nd obesity group, 3 in the overweight group and 1 in the normal group. Patients usually complained comcomitant symptoms, and the symptoms of menopausal disorder was the most frequent. The average treatment duration was 3.68±0.67 weeks and the average treatment frequency was 3.93±0.98 times. All patients took herbal medicines Gambi-tang and 23 took modified fasting therapy including Gamro-su. 14 were treated by whole body far-infrared therapy and 6 were gotten partial obesity treatment. Among patients treated for accompanying symptoms, menopausal disorders were the most common (35.71%), and herbal medicine such as Gamisoyou-san, Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and cupping were used. After treatment, on average, body composition changed significantly; body weight 3.28±1.82 kg, BMI 1.36±1.04 kg/m², body fat 1.70±1.67 kg, skeletal muscle mass 0.81±0.91 kg, abdominal circumference 2.04±2.6 cm, and visceral fat area 8.91±12.83 cm². Conclusions: We analyzed general characteristics, BMI distribution, types of Korean medicine treatment and change of body composition. This study could be used as reference to provide practical data of treatment for obese women in climacteric period.