• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.95-107
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• 2008

Objectives : The main purpose of this research is to observe the effects of herbal acupuncture(HA; herbal acupuncture) with Chijadaehwangtang applied to the Gansu($BL_{18}$) on D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats. Methods : According to HA concentration, the experimental rats were divided 5 groups(control group, saline group, CP-1, CP-2, CP-3 group). In the control group, we first injected D-galactosamine and then didn't treated. In the saline group, we first injected D-galactosamine and then injected saline. In the CP-1, CP-2, CP-3 group, we first injected D-galactosamine and then injected HA with Chijadaehwangtang applied to the Gansu($BL_{18}$), each 25.3mg/kg, 12.7mg/kg, 5.1mg/kg. HA with Chijadaehwangtang was treated at $20{\mu}{\ell}$ every second day, total 10 times in 20 days. We observed the changes of $\gamma$-GTP, GOT, GPT, total bilirubin, LDH, ALP, total cholesterol, triglyceride, SOD, Catalase and hepatic tissues. Results : 1. In the changes of $\gamma$-GTP, GOT contents, as compared with control group, CP-2 group was significantly decreased. 2. In the changes of GPT content, CP-1, CP-2, CP-3 groups as compared with control group were significantly decreased. 3. In the changes of LDH content, CP-3 group as compared with control group was significantly decreased. 4. In the changes of ALP content, all groups as compared with control group were significantly decreased. 5. In the changes of SOD, Catalase contents, CP-2 group as compared with control group was significantly increased. 6. In the morphological and histopathological changes of hepatic tissues, CP-2, CP-3 groups as compared with control group were improved. Conclusions : we observed HA with Chijadaehwangtang applied to the Gansu($BL_{18}$) can be effective treatment on hematological recovery and regenerative process in morphological liver change. Further studies about their underlying mechanism and concentrations may be needed to use HA with Chijadaehwangtang for liver injury clinically.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-19
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and mechanisms of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) herbal acupuncture. Methods : Anti-diabetic and anti-steatotic activity of the AS herbal acupuncture was investigated on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. After random grouping at the age of 9 weeks, the herbal acupuncture groups were injected subcutaneously at the left and right Gansu (BL18) corresponding acupuncture points alternately on exactly the same time every day with 0.1ml of either 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg of AS (AS400 and AS800) for 8-week period. As a positive control, metformin was administrated at a dose of 300 mg/kg (MT300). Body weights were measured weekly, and on every other week blood was collected for blood glucose analysis. At the end of study, blood was also collected for determination of plasma insulin and lipid levels, after which they were killed and periepidydimal fat, liver, muscle, and pancreas were immediately removed. The removed tissues were instantly soaked in liquid nitrogen and stored at $-70^{\circ}C$ for morphological examination and mRNA analysis. Results : The AS herbal acupuncture significantly prevented weight gain on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The AS herbal acupuncture lowered blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The increase of insulin response during the OGTT was inhibited by the AS herbal acupuncture. Insulin sensitivity of skeletal tissue was enhanced. Plasma lipid levels were significantly improved in the AS herbal acupuncture groups. The AS herbal acupuncture decreased hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic triglyceride production, and increased fatty acid (FA) transporter that involves in FA uptake. The AS herbal acupuncture inhibited the increase of liver mass by prevention of the accumulation of TG but did not inhibit weight gain of fat tissue on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Conclusion : In summary, we have demonstrated several unique properties of the AS herbal acupuncture in decreasing body weight, and reversing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. This AS herbal acupuncture acts as an insulin sensitizer and specifically decreases circulating glucose and lipids, and suppresses hepatic lipogenesis.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-68
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review thread-embedding treatment studies for depression, anxiety, and dementia and examine the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding treatment. Methods: Ten domestic and international search databases were used for study selection, including CNKI, PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycArticles, RISS, OASIS, and KCI. We included studies that presented diagnostic or appropriate criteria for depression, anxiety, and dementia, and randomized control studies using thread-embedding therapy. We searched papers published until October 10, 2023. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected, of which 11 studies were conducted on depression, nine on dementia, and one on anxiety disorders. The most commonly used acupoint for depression was Gansu (BL18), whereas zusanli (ST36) and fenglong (ST40) were used for dementia. The most commonly used type of thread was 1-0 United States pharmacopeia (USP) and 1 cm for depression and 2-0 USP and 1 cm for dementia. The treatment period for most of the studies was once every 2 weeks and for 8 weeks. Among the included studies, 17 showed significant improvements in depression scales, such as Hamilton depression rating scale and Self rating depression scale, activities of daily living scales, and cognitive function scales, such as Hasegawa dementia scale and Mini-mental state examination. Six studies reported adverse events, and no studies reported significant adverse events. Two studies reported follow-ups. Conclusions: This study presents limited evidence for the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding therapy for depression, anxiety, and dementia. Well-designed studies are needed to review the clinical efficacy and safety of thread-embedding therapy in the future.