• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2002

Substantial evidence suggests that behavioral and reinforcing effects of cocaine can be mediated by the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Injections of cocaine can produce one of the immediate-early gene, c-fos expression in the brain and behavioral activation. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many mental disorders such as drugs of abuse. In order to investigate whether acupuncture has an influence on cocaine-induced reinforcing and behavioral effects, we examined the effect of acupuncture on cocaine-induced locomotor activity and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens and the striatum using Fos-like-immunoreactivity(FLI). Male SD rats received acupuncture for 1 min after injection of cocaine hydrochloride(1 mg/kg, i.v.). The employed acupuncture point, Shenmen$(HT_7)$, has been clinically used to treat mental and psychosomatic disorders. Injections of cocaine produced a marked increase in locomotor activity and FLI in the nucleus accumbens and the striatum. Acupuncture at $HT_7$, but not at control points($PC_6,\;TE_4$ or tail), significantly attenuated cocaine-induced increase in locomotor activity and Fos-like immunoreactivity. These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by acupuncture may be reflected by reduction of postsynaptic neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens and the striatum. Our results suggest that acupuncture may have a therapeutic effect on cocaine addiction.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats. Methods : Twenty rats were divided into four groups consisting of 5 rats: rats receiving no injection(normal), rats injected with monosodium Iodoacetate(MIA, control), rats injected with MIA and normal saline(N-S), and rats injected with MIA and Curculiginis Rhizoma (CRPA). N-S and CRPA were administered once a day at $ST_{36}$ during 21 days. After that we examined the weight-bearing ability of hind paws, liver and kidney function, immunocell, cytokines, proteins, and gene expression of cytokines. Injury of synovial tissue was measured by H & E, Safranin O immunofluorescence. Results : The weight-bearing ability of the hind paws, Serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, PGE2, LTB4, DPD, Osteocalcin, Protein COX-2 of CRPA decreased significantly. Protein Arachidonate 5 lipoxygenase of CRPA was decreased, but not significantly. Expression of gene COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, NOS2 of CRPA decreased. In histological observations, CRPA was improved, compared with other control groups. Conclusions : It can be suggested that Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ has anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was carried out to analyze the single-dose toxicity of ShinYangHur (SYH) herbal acupuncture injected into the muscles of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: The SYH herbal acupuncture was made in a clean room at the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute (KPI, Korea-Good Manufacturing Practice, K-GMP). After the mixing process with sterile distilled water, the pH was controlled to between 7.0 and 7.5. Then, NaCl was added to make a 0.9% isotonic solution by using sterilized equipment. All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech, an institution authorized to perform non clinical studies under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). SD rats were chosen for the pilot study. Doses of SYH herbal acupuncture, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mL, were administered to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 1.0 mL, was administered to the control group. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four groups. No significant changes in weight, hematological parameters or clinical chemistry between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To check for abnormalities in organs and tissues, we used microscopy was used to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. Conclusion: The above outcomes suggest that treatment with SYH herbal acupuncture is relatively safe. Further studies on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.217-230
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• 2007

Objectives : Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease has been recognized as Ha-ri (下痢) or Jang-Byok in Korean oriental medicine. A purpose of the present study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of moxi-tar herbal acupuncture at LI4 (HapGok) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in rats and further elucidate the possibility of herbal acupuncture on ulcerative colitis which is chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing $170{\sim}190$ g, were subjected to intrarectal injection of either saline (300 ${\mu}l$, 500 ${\mu}l$) for a control or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) (300 ${\mu}l$, 500 ${\mu}l$) for a colitis, Moxi-tar (20 mg/ml) were subcutaneously injected to the LI4 just after the secondary injection time of TNBS in rats. To study the effects of Moxi-tar acupuncture in LI4, body weight, RBC count, WBC count, total protein, Paw edema rate, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels were observed. Results: Moxi-tar acupuncture in LI4 on TNBS-induced colitis inhibited the body weight lose rate but not effect RBC, WBC count. In addition, it inhibited the reduction of total protein concentration, paw edema, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels. Conclusions : It is suggested that moxi-tar herbal acupuncture at LI4 helps to recover TNBS-induced colitis and plays an important role for an treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.69-83
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Malvae Semen herbal-acupuncture (MS-HA) at$KI_{10}$($Eumgok$) on nephritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat. Methods : Rats with nephritis induced by LPS, were treated with Malvae Semen herbal-acupuncture(MS-HA) injection at $KI_{10}$. Two control groups, N.P group and Saline group, were treated with 26 gauge needle at $KI_{10}$, 3 times a week. In Saline group, normal saline was injected at $KI_{10}$. To evaluate the effects of Malvae Semen Herbal-acupuncture at $KI_{10}$ on nephritis in rats, WBC, Neutrophils in blood, BUN, Creatinine, TNF-a, CINC-1 in serum, urinal volume, creatinine, total protein in urine and renal TNF-a, renal tissue were analyzed. Results : MS-HA at $KI_{10}$ significantly reduced WBC and neutrophil in blood, TNF-${\alpha}$ in serum of LPS-stimulated rats. MS-HA at $KI_{10}$ significantly reduced total protein level in urine. MS-HA at $KI_{10}$ reduced accumulation of neutrophil in renal tissue of LPS-stimulated rats. Conclusions : Taken together, MS-HA at $KI_{10}$ has a therapeutic effect on nephritis in LPS-stimulated rat. Therefore, it is suggested that MS-HA at $KI_{10}$ may be an useful therapeutics for nephritis in clinical field.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.51-62
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• 2009

Objective & Methods : The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus extact(RLF-HA) at KI10(Umgok) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized( OVX) ddy mice. We carried out several experimental items to analyze the changes in body weight, uterine weight, uterus index, tibial length, the ash bone weight, tibial BMD, serum ALP, serum osteocalcin, serum Ca, and the levels of Ca, P, Ca/P ratio in tibia, and we performed histological and histomorphological analysis as well. Results : 1. Herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus at KI10(Umgok) and saline injection at KI10(Umgok) significantly inhibited the reduction of tibial calcium level in ovariectomized mice. 2. Herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus at KI10(Umgok) significantly inhibited the increase of tibial osteoclast cells in ovariectomized mice. 3. Herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus at KI10(Umgok) significantly inhibited the reduction of tibial trabecular bone thickness(TBT) in ovariectomized mice. 4. Herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus at KI10(Umgok) significantly inhibited the overgrowth of tibial growth plate length(GPL) in ovariectomized mice. Conclusion : These results suggested that herbal-acupuncture with Rosae Laevigatae Fructus at KI10(Umgok) has a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis, and to be put to practical use in the future osteoporosis clinic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.127-149
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• 2005

This study is designed to investigate the method of manufacturing herbal acupuncture through literature of oriental medicine. The findings of this study are as follows; 1. The methods of manufacturing herbal acupuncture go through the process of abstraction, purification, mixing, filtration, putting and tight sealing in the container, sterilization, quality control, printing and packing 2. There are many ways to manufacturing herbal acupuncture, for example water-alcohol precipitation, alcohol-water precipitation, liquid-liquid abstract, acid-base abstract, metal base precipitation, distillation, molecular structure, polyamide absorption, dialysis, and ion exchange, etc. And popular method is water-alcohol precipitation. This is through alcohol precipitate extracting the principal ingredients from water abstraction. This is very simple and efficient way using melting characteristics of compounds in herb to water and ethanol. 3. Sterilization of herbal acupuncture is through heating-pressure, boiling, steam flowing, low temperature, filtering, radiation, cooling, and microwaves. Nowadays filtering is commonly used. And sterilization is estimated by an examination of asepsis . 4. Herbal acupuncture must be undergo study and experiment to clinical use. The problems of herbal acupuncture are turbidity, instability, causing hemolysis, pain, and fever. So many provisions (addition, sterilization, and filtration etc.) must be prepared. 5. The theory of manufacturing herbal acupuncture is from oriental medicine, not western. So it must be corresponded to oriental medical theory, for example Gimi(氣味), Guigyung(歸經), Ingyung(引經), Bosa(補瀉), and Match of Herb. It is recommended that further study of many other sided investigations in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.105-117
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• 2005

Objective : This study was undertaken to determine if Juglandis Semen herbal acupuncture(Ja) has a protective effect against glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rats. Methods : Rats were dehydrated for 24hr and then injected with 5 ml/kg of 50 % glycerol, one-half of dose in each hindlimb muscle. In experiments for Ja effect, rats received 0.1 ml of Ja extraction in both sides of corresponding $Sh\grave{e}nsh\bar{u}(BL_{23})$ of human body and non-acupuncture points(the root of tail) for 3 days after injection of glycerol. The experimental group were divided into the Normal group, the Control group, the Ja to $Sh\grave{e}nsh\bar{u}(BL_{23})$ group(Ja-AS), the Ja to non-acupuncture points group(Ja-AN). Results : There were significant decrease of urine volume, BUN, fractional glucose excretion, fractional phosphate excretion, total protein level in Ja-AS as compared with the control group. Conclusion : This suggests that Ja-AS could be used in prevention and treatment of acute renal failure. However, the precise mechanisms of Ja protection remain to be determined.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.670-678
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• 2004

In oriental medicine, meridian is pathway of bio-energy, and basic an object of diagnosis/therapy. But, in western medicine, meridian has been accepted as action pathway of nerve-endocrine-immune system. Acupuncture effect has been regarded as not effect by transmission of bio-energy but action or response by stimulation. In this paper, when an acupuncturist's bio-energy is passed on(non-insulation) and when is not(insulation), we analysed electric potential on meridian/non-meridian to verify effect of acupuncture therapy. In the results, when bio-energy isn't passed on, bio-potential is reacted to only the first of 4 times acupuncture operating. But when bio-energy is passed on, it is reacted to 4 times, and potential on meridian is higher than that of on non-meridian. Electric potential for same acupuncture operating is different on non/meridians, which implies that physiological construction and bio-energy transmission material is different respectively. When is extracting acupuncture method, potential is higher than that of injection one. It implies that extracting method is more effect than injecting one, in aspect of acupuncture therapy effect. Therefore, acupuncture therapy effect is verified as effect of response by acupuncturist's bio-energy transmission rather than that by only acupuncture stimulus.