• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.283-302
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• 2004

Background : Angiogenesis is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels emanating from pre-existing vessels, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products. Angiogenesis occurs in a variety of normal physiologic and pathologic conditions and is regulated by a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory angiogenic factors. Excessive angiogenesis should be suppressed. However, if blood supply is insufficient, it should be encouraged. Hyul-Mek(血脈) or Hyul-Rark(血絡), known as blood vessels in western medicine, is deeply related to Chung-Ki-Hyul(精 氣 血). The goal of this study is to review the effects of herbal medicines on angiogenesis that is involved in wound healing and enhancement of blood supply. Methods : We conducted a systematic and comprehensive literature search for the identification, retrieval, and bibliographic management of independent studies to locate information on the topic. A computerized search of the published literature of Korea(KISS, RISS), China(CNKI), Japan(Kampo medicine, etc), and western countries(MEDLINE) was performed, and further supplemented with manual searches of print sources(1999 to 2003). Results : The herbal medicines with angiogenic activity were mainly found among herbs that carry replenish Shin-Cheng(補腎益精), foster Eum and improve the circulation of blood(養陰活血), or warm and circulate Kyung-Rark(溫經通絡). In particular, herbs with improve the circulation of blood and clear blood(活血化瘀) activity contain a significant amount of tannin, saponin, and pyrazine. Conclusion : Replenish Ki-Hyul(補氣血) and circulate Kyung-Rark(通經絡) could contribute to the induction of angiogenesis because various growth factors and proliferation, differentiation, and migration of vascular endothelial cells are involved in angiogenic activity.