• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

Objectives: This study is aimed to develop a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on acupuncture treatment for the patients with post-stroke spasticity. Methods: Experts committee, consisting of stroke or methodology specialists, searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and 19 Korean medicine journals. The search terms were selected to screen the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews for the effectiveness of acupuncture on post-stroke spasticity, compared with placebo or conventional group. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendations were appraised based on Recommendations for Development of Clinical Practice Guideline in Korean Medicine. Results & Conclusions: One systematic review and 7 RCT were included to build the CPG. There was a strong evidence to support the effectiveness of electroacupuncture treatment for post-stroke spasticity. However, it did not show any sufficient evidence to treat the patients with post-stroke spasticity with the sole acupuncture. The moderate evidence was presented that over 3 times of the electroacupuncture treatments with 1-100 Hz frequency should be performed every week on the acupoints, such as LI11, LI10, TE5, LI4, ST36, GB34, ST40, or LR3, for 20-30 minutes. It was also suggested that the procedure should begin at the acute stage just after the vital signs of the patients are stabilized. Finally, there was a moderate evidence to support safety of acupuncture treatment for post-stroke spasticity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2 s.70
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• pp.166-184
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Daegeum-eumja, Igwi-tang, and Sihosogan-san on gastric mucosal lesions induced by alcohol, indomethacin, and burn-stress in mice. Methods : Experimental mice were divided into six groups. The normal group (NOR) did not receive any treatment to elicit gastropathy. In the control group (GE), gastropathy was elicited by alcohol, indomethacin, and stress. In the misoprostol group (MS), misoprostol was administered after gastropathy was elicited by alcohol, indomethacin, and stress. In the Daegeum-eumja group (DG), Daegeum-eumja was administered after gastropathy was elicited by alcohol, indomethacin, and stress. In the Igwi-tang group (IW), Igwi-tang was administered after gastropathy was elicited by alcohol, indomethacin, and stress. In the Sihosogan-san group (SH), Sihosogan-san was administered after gastropathy waselicited by alcohol, indomethacin, and stress. The effects on gastric mucosal lesions were evaluated by the morphological change of gastric mucosa, the anti-oxidant effect, HSP 70, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, $I{\kappa}B$, COX-1, PNA, BrdU, and iNOS. Results : Hemorrhage erosion, HSP70, and $NF-{\kappa}B$ in the DG, IW and SH groups decreased more than that of the control. The $I{\kappa}B$, COX-1, PNA, BrdU, and iNOS in the DG, IW, and SH groups increased more than that of the control. DG showed the most effect against gastric mucosal lesions induced by alcohol; IW against gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin; and SH against gastric mucosal lesions induced by burn-stress. Conclusions: Daegeum-eumja, Igwi-tang, and Sihosogan-san extracts have excellent effects on gastric mucosal lesions induced by alcohol, indomethacin, and burn-stress, respectively.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.471-481
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• 2017

Objectives : Noemyeong-san (NMS) is a novel herbal prescription composed of five oriental medicinal herbs including Prunellae Spica, Betulae Cortex, Foeniculi Fructus, Asiasari Radix, and Clematidis Radix for treating Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of NMS on BV2 microglia to evaluate the potential action of this formula for preventing or treating neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. Methods : To determine the cytotoxicity of NMS on BV2 microglia, the MTT assay was performed. The effects of NMS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia were determined with a nitric oxide (NO) assay and western blots for inflammatory mediator-related proteins, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) pathway-related proteins, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Result : NMS inhibited induction of iNOS and COX-2 as well as NO production without affecting the cell viability in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. NMS also suppressed activation of ERK and p38 MAPK among main kinases of MAPKs as well as NF-${\kappa}B$ by LPS stimulation. Furthermore, NMS dose-dependently induced the expression of HO-1 and the inhibitory effect of NMS on the production of NO were blocked by pretreatment with an HO-1 inhibitor, Snpp. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that NMS has potent anti-neuroinflammatory effect on the LPS-stimulated microglia. These findings provide evidences for NMS to be considered as a new prescription for preventing or treating neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.537-551
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• 2017

Objectives : Jinnoe-san (JNS) is a novel herbal formula consisting of five oriental medicinal herbs including Polygalae Radix, Prunellae Spica, Perillae Herba, Betulae Cortex, and Lonicerae Flos. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of JNS on Parkinson's disease in vitro model. Methods : The effects of JNS on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ($MPP^+$)-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated with a cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and western blots analysis. The effects of JNS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia were determined with a nitric oxide (NO) assay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, and western blots analysis. Result : $MPP^+$-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced by JNS pre-treatment in a dose-dependent manner. JNS inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondria dysfunction, and apoptosis induced by $MPP^+$ in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, JNS significantly activated Akt and ERK in SH-SY5Y cells and the ability of JNS to prevent mitochondria dysfunction by $MPP^+$ was antagonized by pre-treatment of LY294002 and PD98059, an Akt and ERK inhibitor, respectively. In addition, JNS inhibited LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production as well as iNOS expression and secretion of TNF-${\alpha}$, pro-inflammatory cytokines without affecting the cell viability. JNS also suppressed LPS-induced ERK activation. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that JNS has a protective effect on the dopaminergic neurons against $MPP^+$-induced neurotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-stimulated microglia. These findings provide evidences for JNS to be considered as a new prescription for treating Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-20
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• 2004

Pulse-feeling took its origin from making a diagnosis along meridians in the course of discovering and forming meridians and for a long time its meaning was mixed with meridians in the course of recognizing "The Pulse" then was separated from meridians in the early days of Western Han Dynasty. Ancient pulse-feeling methods are pulse-feeling method by the twelve regular meridians, pulse-feeling method by three regions and nine modes, pulse-feeling method by Inyeong(人迎) and Chon-gu(寸口), etc. Pulse-feeling was changed in proportion to diagnostic purpose and method of treating and if method and region of pulse-feeling is arranged, we will infer correlation between meridians and pulse-feeling and will infer transitional system of past pulse-feeling and will forecast transition of future pulse-feeling. As the result that I study the transition of the above three pulse-feeling methods of meridians diagnosis: 1. Three pulse-feeling methods of meridians diagnosis flowed into diagnostic method by taking pulse of setting six region for Chon(寸), Gwan(關) and Cheok(尺), i.e. the Chon[寸] spot pulse of $\ll$Nan-gyeong$\gg$ and were changed into diagnostic method being fit for use of five Su points, The Front-Mo points and Back-Su points that grasp the pathology of mutual internal organs and treat the disease. 2. Today it is suggesting the transition of another pulse-feeling method that do not apply diagnostic method by taking pulse of setting six region for Chon(寸), Gwan(關) and Cheok(尺), i.e. the Chon[寸] spot pulse of $\ll$Nan-gyeong$\gg$ to 19C Sasang(四象) Constitutional Medicine or 20C Eight Constitutional Medicine.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.4 s.71
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• pp.607-612
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• 2005

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a multigene family composed of constitutively expressed members(Hsc70) and stress-inducible members (Hsp70). In the mammalian nervous system, a considerable amount of HSPs is also synthesized under normal conditions suggesting that they play an important role in the metabolism of unstressed cells. In this study we examined the expression of Hsp70 in the synapses of rat cerebellar neurons. Immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies revealed that both Hsp70 and Hsc70 are expressed in the cerebellar tissue, with strongest expression in Purkinje cells followed by granule cells. Neurons in deep cerebellar nuclei were also intensely stained by Hsp70 antibody. Immunocytochemical stainings of cultured cerebellar cells showed that Hsp70 is expressed in both Purkinje and granule cells. The expression was punctate in the soma and along dendritic trees, and the punctae were colocalized with those of PSD95, a postsynaptic marker. Immunoblotting also indicates that Hsp70 is associated with the postsynaptic density fraction. Taken together, our results indicate that the Hsp70 is expressed in cerebellar neurons in normal conditions, and that some are localized in the synapses.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.1244-1255
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the stimulatory effects of herbal medicines extracts on cytokines release of immune response in immune cells, RAW 264.7 and TK-1 cell. Methods: In a total of 18 extracts, 9 water extracts and 9 ethanol extracts, of herbal medicines, the quantities of polyphenolic compounds were measured and anti-oxidation activities were determined by colorimetric assay. The herbal medicine extracts were treated on RAW 264.7 and TK-1, respectively, and then the releasing changes of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 from both immune cells were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The polyphenol contents were measured to be 1.56~0.64 mg/g of solids in the two types of extracts with 9 kinds of herbal medicines, while antioxidant activities were found to be 95.62~31.46% as compared with ascorbic acid control. In RAW 264.7 cells treated with herbal medicines extracts, the secretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ increased to 1.31~1.18 fold, and the amounts of IL-6 were 68.4~97.9% compared with the control group treated with LPS alone. In particular, the secretion amount of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was suppressed by treatment using herbal medicine extracts. In the case of TK-1 cells, $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion was suppressed according to the concentrations of herbal extract. The released amounts of IL-10 were shown at 10~40 pg/ml, and increased in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Herbal medicines extracts act on macrophages inducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokine, thereby enhancing the activity of innate immunity. When acting on T cells involved in adaptive immunity, the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine is increased to induce the inhibition of the innate immune response.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2022

Objective : The purpose of this study is to present a case report with the adult patient who needed active treatment of pityriasis rosea with severe pruritus, and did not respond to steroid treatment in the preceding month. Methods : The subject is an adult patient with pityriasis rosea over the age of 40 without any other diseases. We administered Korean medicine treatment with Bangpungtongseong-san (防⾵通聖散) and acupuncture. The effects of the treatment were evaluated via scales including Pruritus score, Pityriasis Rosea Severity Score (PRSS), and picture. Results : After the treatment Pruritus score/PRSS index of the case changed from 8/20 to 0/0. No other severe adverse reactions were reported. No more recurrence or pruritus was confirmed in follow-up. Conclusions : Korean medicine treatment with Bangpungtongseong-san showed marked improvement in pruritus and skin symptoms of pityriasis rosea in need of active care. With the lack of existing clinical reports of pityriasis rosea, we found that Korean medicine treatment could be an effective way, and it is expected that Bangpungtongseong-san could be administered to pityriasis rosea patients. Randomized-controlled trial for further evaluation will be needed in the future.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study is (1) to investigate the historic changes and pharmacological efficacies of Woohwangchungsim-won and (2) to discuss the necessities for Woohwangchungsim-won's clinical applications. Methods: This study was performed through (1) investigating the ancient literature records related with Woohwangchungsim-won and analyzing Woohwangchungsim-won's composition, dosage and indications, (2) searching articles about Woohwangchungsim-won on 10 major Korean web and 3 major foreign web article search engines and analyzing Woohwangchungsim-won's pharmacological efficacies and indications. Results: Woohwangchungsim-wom has been used for cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and palpitation. Also, there are some ancient literature records of Woohwangchungsim-won's clinical applications in neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In addition, there have been a number of experimental studies which demonstrate Woohwangchungsim-won's neuroprotective effect on cerebral cortex and hippocampus injury. So, it is possible to infer that Woohwangchungsim-won can be used for the treatments of neuropsychiatric disorders associated with neuronal cell death in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. But there have been no or less experimental studies which demonstrate the pharmacological efficacy of Woohwangchungsim-won on such disease. Conclusion: It is necessary that further experimental studies which demonstrate Woohwangchungsim-won's pharmacological efficacy on neuropsychiatric disorders should be done and Woohwangchungsim-won's clinical applications should be expanded on the basis of those related experimental results.