• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.69-76
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• 2024

Objectives : Hypertension (high blood pressure), one of the world's major chronic diseases, has a high mortality rate due to its high prevalence and complications, but its control rate is low. The proper management and control through appropriate exercise, diet management, and optimal drug choice can reduce the risk of death from hypertension. Although various antihypertensive drugs are used to treat hypertension, they also have numerous adverse effects. Alongside increased interest in the use of Traditional Herbal Formulas (THF) for hypertension treatment, the purpose of this study was to examine the vasodilative effects of 10 THF in the rat thoracic artery pre-contracted by potassiumchloride (KCl). Methods : THF were extracted with distilled water for 2 hours. The rat thoracic artery was suspended and contracted by KCl in the organ bath which contained 10 ml Krebs Henseleit (KH) buffer. THF extracts were added in a dose-dependent increase (10-1,000 ㎍/mL) to examine vasodilative effects. The vasodilative effects produced by THF were expressed as the percentage in response to KCl-induced contraction. Results : Among the 10 THF, Banhasasim-tang, Buhnsimgieum, Sagunja-tang, and Samul-tang showed vasodilative effects. And, Sipjeondaebo-tang, Ssanghwa-tang, Ojeok-san, Onkyung-tang, Yongdamsagan-tang, and Hyangsayukgunja-tang showed no significant vasodilative effects. Also, in co-administration with amlodipine, Banhasasim-tang showed higher vasodilative effects than amlodipine alone, and Buhnsimgieum showed greater vasodilative effects at low concentrations, but inhibited amlodipine's vasodilative effects at high concentrations. Conclusion : As a result of these studies, they will be expected to provide useful data to establish guidelines of combined administration of THF and western antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of hypertension.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.203-210
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• 2005

Purpose : The keeping warm and avoidance of cold are one of important Korean traditional postpartum care, but sometimes overwarm for example over-bundling, an overheated room or a steam bath cause heavy sweats. I observed and treated three　patients complained of heavy sweats, chills, fatigue, malaise, cold sensation and pain caused by keeping overwarm for postpartum care. Although the symptoms have aggravated, they have maintained keeping overwarm because of a belief of Korean traditional postpartum care. The purpose of these cases studies are to report postpartum hyperhidrosis caused by keeping overwarm and to make a point of keeping the appropriate room temperature and humidity during puerperium. Methods : I observed and treated three patients complained of heavy sweats, chills, fatigue, malaise, cold sensation and pain caused by keeping overwarm for postpartum care. I found that a cause of the symptoms was hyperhidrosis by keeping overwarm, and administered herbal medicine and was to keep the appropriate room temperature. Results : After medication of Herbal medicine(補中益氣湯加味方) and keeping the appropriate room temperature, they were improved. Conclusion : Postpartum care is not to keep overwarm but to keep the appropriate room temperature and humidity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.726-740
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• 2023

Objectives: This review investigated the research on warm herbal foot bath therapy (WHFT) for insomnia. Methods: A search was conducted on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database to collect relevant studies published up to August 29, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WHFT and sleeping pills in patients with insomnia were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. The results of the meta-analysis were presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 11 RCTs were included. WHFT as monotherapy resulted in a significantly higher total effective rate (TER) (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.36; I²=25%) and an improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global sore (MD, -3.10; 95% CI, -4.24 to -1.95; I²=73%) compared to benzodiazepines. Additionally, WHFT as a combined therapy with benzodiazepines resulted in a significantly higher TER (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27; I²=0%) and an improved PSQI global score (MD, -2.23; 95% CI, -4.09 to -0.38; I²=80%) compared to benzodiazepines alone. In network analysis visualizing the components of HWFT, four clusters were discovered, and Polygoni Multiflori Ramuls and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen were the key herbs used in WHFT. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was poor. Conclusions: There was limited evidence that WHFT as a monotherapy or combined therapy was effective in improving insomnia. The findings can be used as basic data for future WHFT research in South Korea.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.393-400
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• 2015

An insect parasitic mite was found on a larva from Japanese apricot seed. The mite was identified as Pyemotes moseri Yu et Liang (Acarina: Pyemotidae) new to Korea. The host larva was identified as Eurytoma maslovskii using mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis. We conducted preliminary study on its reproduction and parasitization capacity in laboratory condition. A mated female mite reared on Eurytoma maslovskii larva. We counted and sexed newborn progenies and then eliminated them during periodical observations. To test parasitization capacity, a PCR tube containing mass reared P. moseri and Japanese apricot seeds (assumed bear larva of E. maslovskii) placed in a stainless bath filled with potting soil. One month later, we surveyed the seeds whether the E. maslovskii larva parasitized by mite or not. We repeated this experiment three times with five replications each. Average life span (days from parasitization to the end of reproduction) of gravid females was 24.4 days (n=8). A gravid female reproduced 104.0 female progenies (n=8). Although there were more than seven Japanese apricot seeds per bath containing larva or pupa, we found parasitization only in two seeds.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.143-158
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• 2002

The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of Jakyakgamchotang on histamine or acetylcholine induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction in rats and guinea pigs. Guinea pig(500g, male) and Sprague Dawley rats(250g, male) were killed by $CO_2$ exposure and a segment (4-5mm) of the thoracic trachea from each rat and guinea pig was cut into equal segments and mounted 'in pairs' in a tissue bath. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducers under 0.5g loading tension. The dose of histamine(His) which evoked 50% of maximal response($ED_{50}$) was obtained from cumulative dose response curves for histamine($10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-4}M$). Contractions evoked by His($ED_{50}$) were inhibited significantly by Jakyakgamchotang. In guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of histamine induced contraction was 90.8% (p〈0.001) after $100{\mu}l/ml$ Jakyakgamchotang. In rat tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction was 22.1% (p〈0.05) after $100{\mu}l/ml$ Jakyakgamchotang. Propranolol indomethacin and methylene blue($10^{-7}M$) slightly but significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of Jakyakgamchotang. These results indicate that Jakyakgamchotang can relax histamine or acetylcholine induced contraction of guinea pig and rat tracheal smooth muscle.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.237-244
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Carthami flos on pacemaker potentials of small intestinal and colonic Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC). Methods : To dissociate the ICC, we used enzymatic digestions from the small intestine and colon in mice. In the ICC, the electrophysiological whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials in the cultured ICC. Results : 1. The ICC generated pacemaker potentials in the murine small intestine and colon. 2. Pretreatment with a Ca²⁺ free solution and thapsigargin, a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor in the endoplasmic reticulum, stopped the pacemaker potentials. In the case of Ca²⁺-free solutions, Carthami flos did not induce membrane depolarizations in the murine small intestine and colon. However, when thapsigargin in a bath solution was applied, Carthami flos induced membrane depolarizations only in the murine colon. 3. Pretreatment with 2-APB (transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channel inhibitor) abolished the pacemaker potentials and suppressed Carthami flos-induced effects in the murine small intestine and colon. 4. However, pretreatment with T16Ainh-AO1 (Ca²⁺ activated Cl- channel; anoctamin 1 (ANO1) inhibitor) did not affect the pacemaker potentials and induced Carthami flos-induced effects only in the murine small intestine. Conclusions : These results suggest that Carthami flos can modulate the pacemaker activity of ICC and the mechanisms underlying pacemaking in ICC might be different in the small intestine and the colon.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.156-164
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• 2015

Objectives : This study is clinical report of one atopic dermatitis patient with exudate.Methods : We treated a 16-year old woman patient with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, herbal bath, aroma cream therapy and western medicine. The improvement of the patient was evaluated by SCORAD INDEX and photography.Results : The SCORAD Index score of admission day at hospital was 73.5, and the SCORAD INDEX score of discharge day was 11.4. Amount of exudate and the score of oozing were decreased.Consults : The complex treatments of korean medicine and western medicine was effective to improve of atopic dermatitis patient with exudate. And the influence of weather condition to prognosis of atopic dermatitis with exudate was observated. It is necessary to have more observations and case reports.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.167-181
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• 1999

Rhizoma Arisaematis, Lignum Akebiae, Rhizoma Zedoariae, Cortex Eucommiae, Folium Perillae, Radix Sophorae Subprostratae, Radixi, Radix Ledeboutriellae, Rhizoma Atractylodis, Herba Ephedrae, Radix Puerariae and Radi Aconitx Bupleuri have been used in Korea for many centuries as a treatment for various disease. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of several herbs on norepinephrine(NE) induced blood vessel contraction in rabbits and pigs. Rabbit(2 kg, male) were killed by $CO_2$ exposure and a segment (8-10mm) of each rabbit was cut into equal segments and mounted in a tissue bath. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducers under 2-3 g loading tension. The dose of norepinephrine(NE) which evoked 50% of maximal response $(ED_{50})$ was obtained from cumulative dose response curves for NE $(10^{-6}{\sim}10^{-3}M)$. Contractions evoked by NE $(ED_{50})$ were inhibited significantly by Rhizoma Arisaematis, Lignum Akebiae, Rhizoma Zedoariae, Cortex Eucommiae, Folium Perillae, Radix Sophorae Subprostratae and Herba Ephedrae in abdominal aorta. Contractions evoked by NE $(ED_{50})$ were inhibited significantly be Lignum Akebiae, Rhizoma Zedoariae, Cortex Eucommiae, Herba Ephedrae, Radix Puerariae and Radix Bupleuri in femoral artery. Contractions evoked by NE $(ED_{50})$ were inhibited significantly by Radix Sophorae Subprostratae, Radix Aconiti and Herba Ephedrae in renal artery. These results indicate that each herb can relax NE induced contraction of rabbit and pig blood vessel selectively, and that this relaxation relates to Gui-Gyung(歸經).

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2019

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the combination effects of Cinnamomi cortex Ethanol Extract (CcEE) and hyperthermia in the human AGS gastric cancer cell line. Methods : AGS cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of CcEE (0, 50 or $60{\mu}g/mL$) for 1h prior to hyperthermia. And then incubated for a further 30 min at the indicated temperatures (37, 42 or $43^{\circ}C$) in a humidified incubator containing 5% $CO_2$ or a thermostatically controlled water bath for hyperthermia. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, Morphology assay and Trypan blue assay. To investigate the possible molecular signaling pathways, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins (ERK, p38 and JNK) and expression of various anti-apoptotic proteins such as Caspase-3, Caspase-9, p53, Cyclin D1 and MMP-2 were assessed by Western blot analysis. In addition, Annexin V and 7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) staining was performed to examine the apoptotic mechanism. Results : Combination of CcEE with hyperthermia effectively suppressed the cell viability and changed cellmorphology compared with CcEE or hyperthermia treatment alone. Combined treatment also abated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyclin D1 and MMP-2. Whereas, the expression level of p53 was up-regulated by co-treatment. Moreover, combination treatment enhanced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK. In addition, this combination increased anti-cancer effect by inducing cell death through the apoptosis. Conclusions : Taken together, all these findings suggest that the combination treatment with CcEE and hyperthermia may have therapeutic potential as a promising approach to patients with stomach cancer.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.402-408
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• 2010

In the twenty first century, people experience a lot of stresses by psychological, social and environmental impetus. If the stress is excessive, it can become a problem and finally lead to diseases. Foot bath makes the body warm starting with the feet, controls the blood circulations and autonomic nervous systems. This study aims at examining the effects of stress and fatigue of senior students preparing for college entrance examination by foot bath with the aroma essential oil and the fermentation extracts. The experimental period was from March 30 to April 18, 2009. The study objects were 21 senior students of C Girls' High School in Cheonan. They were divided into 3 groups and treated 20 times. The first group was a foot bath group with Artemisia Herbal fermentation extracts. The second group was a foot bath group with the blending aroma essential oil of grapefruit, cypress and cedarwood. The third group was not treated. In the case of difference of physical and psychological stress, there was a reduction of 18.43 and 16.71 for the fermented extract group and 10.71 and 9.43 for the aroma group, while a reduction of 0.43 and 0.29 for the control group, respectively. This shows that foot baths using fermented extracts and aroma had lower physical stress compared to the control group (p<.01). For the difference of fatigue, there was a reduction of 19.14 for the fermented extract group, 11.57 for the aroma group and 0.07 for the control group, showing that foot baths accompanied by fermented extracts and aroma used in this study having lower fatigue compared to the control group (p<.01). The fermented extract group (M=55.71) had the highest level of satisfaction after foot baths, followed by the aroma group (M=49.14) and the control group (M=33.29). Duncan's post hoc test showed that there was a statistically considerable difference between the tests groups and control groups (p<.01). Through the results of this study, it was found that foot baths using bathing supplements were very effective for reducing stress and fatigue.