• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.386-398
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• 2020

Tissue fibrosis is an eventual pathologic change of numerous chronic illnesses, which is characterized by resident fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts during inflammation, coupled with excessive extracellular matrix deposition in tissues, ultimately leading to failure of normal organ function. Now, there are many mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis, which facilitate the discovery of effective antifibrotic drugs. Moreover, many chronic diseases remain a significant clinical unmet need. For the past five years, many research works have undoubtedly addressed the functional dependency of ginsenosides in different types of fibrosis and the successful remission in various animal models treated with ginsenosides. Caveolin-1, interleukin, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), liver X receptors (LXRs), Nrf2, microRNA-27b, PPARδ-STAT3, liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-AMPK, and TGF-β1/Smads are potential therapy targeting using ginsenosides. Ginsenosides can play a targeting role and suppress chronic inflammatory response, collagen deposition, and epitheliale-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as myofibroblast activation to attenuate fibrosis. In this report, our aim was to focus on the therapeutic prospects of ginsenosides in fibrosis-related human diseases making use of results acquired from various animal models. These findings should provide important therapeutic clues and strategies for the exploration of new drugs for fibrosis treatment.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.143-147
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• 2013

Cyanogenic glycosides are HCN-producing phytotoxins; HCN is a powerful and a rapidly acting poison. It is not difficult to find plants containing these compounds in the food supply and/or in medicinal herb collections. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of total cyanide in nine genera (Dolichos, Ginkgo, Hordeum, Linum, Phaseolus, Prunus, Phyllostachys, Phytolacca, and Portulaca) of edible plants and the effect of the processing on cyanide concentration. Total cyanide content was measured by ion chromatography following acid hydrolysis and distillation. Kernels of Prunus genus are used medicinally, but they possess the highest level of total cyanide of up to 2259.81 $CN^-$/g dry weight. Trace amounts of cyanogenic compounds were detected in foodstuffs such as mungbeans and bamboo shoots. Currently, except for the WHO guideline for cassava, there is no global standard for the allowed amount of cyanogenic compounds in foodstuffs. However, our data emphasize the need for the guidelines if plants containing cyanogenic glycosidesare to be developed as dietary supplements.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.215-219
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• 1996

Active component was sought among three herb medicines, which are used in combination as a traditional medicine prescribed for patients with hyperlipidemia related diseases. Antihyperlipidemic effect of this remedy has previously been shown model by the authors on the animal model. Hyperlipidemia was induced on male Wistar rats by keeping them on high lipid diet for one week, as previously described by the authors. Blood lipid profile was verified on these rats by measuring total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Then, the diet was changed to normal. At the same time, methanol extracts of Scutellaris baicalensis Georg.(radix), Coptidis japonica Makino(rhizoma) or Rhei koreanum Nakai(rhizoma) were given on daily basis, and changes in the blood lipid profile were monitored for 4 weeks. Methanol extract of Scutellaris baicalensis Georg. significantly reduced the TC value, implying the in vivo antihyperlipidemic effect.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.139-146
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• 1976

This survey attempted to determine the overall health situation in Kyunggido in terms of sickness prevalence, sickness distribution, demand for medical care by type, and utilization of medical care. The survey was conducted on 766 households, or 4,065 people, from July 1-31, 1975. The findings from the survey are as follows: 1) In terms of age distribution, 28.7% of the sample was from 10-19, the 40-49 age group was the next largest group, and those over 60 made up 7% of the sample. 2. The education distribution is as follows, 30.4% completed primary school, 22.4% had no formal education, 20.6% attended but did not onplete primary school, and 1.8% attended unversities or higher. 3) In terms of occupation, 55.9% were unemployed or family employees, which represents a large dependent population, 30.4% of the workers were employed in farming or fisheries. 4. The marital status is as follows, 58.8% of the women were married, 32.3% unmarried, and 7.5% divorced. 5) The prevalence rate of mouthy illness was 19.7% of 100 infant, 42.8% became fatally ill within the first year of life. This is a very high percentage compared with more developed nations. 6) Of those reportion on illness, 54.6% sought treatment. The rate of treatment was highest in infants at 77.7%. Us age increased, demand for treatment decreased to 43.1% for those in the aldest age group. The oldest age group also had the highest rate of non treatment at 56.8%. 7) The demand for medical care showed that 65.6% utilized drug stores, 20.2% utilized hospitals and clinics, 5.4% used herbdrug-stores and herb clinices, and 3.9% relied upon folk medicine and withch craft. 8) The utilization of medical facilties by sex is as follows, 65.1% of the men and 66.0% of the women used drug stores, and 19.2% of the men and 20.2% of the women used hospitals and clinics. However, more men (3.5%) were hospitalized than women (1.8%) 9) In terms of out-patient care, the largest age group of males was 10-19 (28.2%), and the largest age group of females was 0-9 (30.8%). There was no sex difference in the use of western pharmacies. Menaged 30-39 and women aged 50-59 were the most frequent users of herb clinics. 10) The rate of receiving treatment at drugstore hospitals went towards declining level in the second case of what While increaing much more at herb clinics and folk medicines in the second case than the first one. 11) After primary utilization of hospitals, 32.7%. of the adults aged 20-59 used drug-stores as a secondary source of care, and 12.8% of children and youth under age 20 continued receiving care at hospitals. 12) After primary utilization of drug-stores, 32.5 % of the adults continued to seek care at drug stores and 1.8% used hospitals. 4.2% of those over age 60 utilized folk medcine and witch craft.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.120-139
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• 2014

Objectives: The tendency of experimental studies on the male infertility was analyzed through focusing on domestic theses for a degree to indicate the hereafter direction for its study in oriental herbal medicine. Methods: 35 domestic theses for a degree published after 2003 were analyzed. And theses were classified by year, study design, degree and subjects. Results: The followings are the results of this study. 1. 35 theses were reviewed. 11 master dissertations and 24 doctorate dissertations 2. In the annual publishing tendency, the number of theses began to increase from 2003 and the theses have been published actively from 2005. 3. Classified by study design, 19 in vitro & in vivo and 16 in vitro experimental studies were performed. 4. In the medication and prescription, the studies with single medication were 32, and prescription were 3. In the studies with single medication, four studies on Ginseng Radix (人蔘) were the most. 5. In theses related to single medication, BoYang-Yak was most prefered, followed BoYeum-Yak, BoKi-Yak, SabJung-ChukNyo-JiDae-Yak. 6. Analysed 35 theses by subject, concentrational experiments were 23, periodical experiment were 3, concentrational & periodical experiment was 1. 7. In theses related to herb medication, the themes were Body & testicular weight, sperm parameters, testosterone level, CREM mRNA level & CREM protein, seminiferous tubule and antioxidant activity. 8. Related to herb medication's antioxidant activity efficacy were 7 theses. Conclusions: If there are more diverse studies on medication, prescription, external treatment methods and experiment methods in the future, this will be very helpful for the clinical treatment of male infertility.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2015

Objectives : In Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, herbal medicinal preparations are defined as medicines made by Korean medicine principles. But in Act, Korean medicine principles are vague. Thus, there is a request to explain what the Korean medicine principles are. The aim of this study is to suggest implications of Korean medicine principles in definition of herbal medicinal preparations. Methods : With regard for definition of Korean medicine principles, we referred to the domestic and foreign regulations and literature about the history of herbal medicinal preparations. As a result, the meaning of Korean medicine principles was historically examined from various angles. Results : Through this study, we studied the Korean medicine principles from the past medical history. Due to the broad definition of Korean medicinal principles, we tried to extract general ideas of medicine principles first. We also found that we had scientific formulations based on korean medicine principles which could be used in modern society. In the end, we found that numerous medicine principles which include ‘Four qi and five flavors theory’, ‘Processing of medicinals’, ‘Yin and yang theory’, ‘Five phases theory’, ‘Meridian entry of viscera and bowels theory’, ‘Herb Couplet Interaction theory’, ‘Sovereign, minister, assistant and courier theory’, etc. Conclusions : Innumerable principles used from the past existed. These principles were broad and could be used as modern scientific principles. Based on these facts, we illustrated details of Korean medicine principles, hope this principles be widely shared and Korean herbal medicinal preparations be further developed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.120-132
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• 2021

Objectives: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is on an upward trend along with an increase in the aging population but there is no available treatment that halts the progression of neurodegeneration. This study reports a numerical analysis on Donguibogam and suggests novel herbal drugs, which have never been researched before but found to be deemed effective in this study. Methods: Referring to 71 Korean medicine symptom terms that represent the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, 4170 prescriptions described in Donguibogam were classified into two groups based on whether their main effects were effective for Parkinson's disease or not. Comparing the two groups, the chi-square test was performed to select statistically significant herbs, while the t-test, Wilcoxon test, and descriptive statistics were performed to determine the appropriate dose. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven prescriptions effective for Parkinson's disease were identified. The chi-square test determined 17 herbs that are effective for symptomatic treatment. Among the medicinal herbs, the authors suggest Osterici seu Notopterygii Radix et Rhizoma, Ephedrae Herba, Aconiti Tuber, Myrrha, Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma, and Aconiti Kusnezoffii Tuber as herbal candidates that have never been studied for Parkinson's disease. Through the statistical tests, it was judged that the mean value of the dose of the entire prescription was the appropriate dose for each herb. Conclusions: Seventeen herbs were selected for Parkinson's disease and the appropriate daily dose were calculated. Furthermore, this study presented a new process that applies a statistical method to traditional medical literature and preselecting herbs deemed effective for specific diseases.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.34-42
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• 2022

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra pars compacta. PD is known to be linked with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. In this study, anti-cytotoxic and anti-oxidative effect of 12 herbal formulae were compared. Methods : According to experts' advice, 12 types of herbal formulae (Gamisoyosan, Galgeuntang, Galgeunhaegitang, Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang, Bojungikgitang, Boheotang, Sihogyejitang, Sihosogantang, Sihocheonggantang, Ojeoksan, Cheongsanggyeontongtang and Palmultang) were selected from 56 types of herbal formulae covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. To detect anti-oxidative effect, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to detect anti-cytotoxic effect of 12 herbal formulae using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Results : In DPPH assay, anti-oxidant activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner and half maximal inhibitory concentration was highest in the order of Galgeuntang, Gamisoyosan, Galgeunhaegitang, Ojeoksan, Palmultang, Sihogyejitang, Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihocheonggantang, Bojungikgitang, Boheotang and Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang. In MTT assay, concentration of 80% cell survival was highest in the order of Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihocheonggantang, Sihogyejitang, Bojungikgitang, Galgeuntang, Ojeoksan, Boheotang, Palmultang, Galgeunhaegitang, Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang and Gamisoyosan. Formulae with more than 50% DPPH radical scavenging activity at concentrations for 80% cell survival were Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihogyejitang, Galgeuntang and Sihocheonggantang. Conclusions : Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihogyejitang, Galgeuntang and Sihocheonggantang extracts can be candidate medicines for PD, but the effect should be validated in PD models.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.103-109
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• 2015

This report is about a case of monocular partial oculomotor nerve palsy in a patient with midbrain hemorrhage. The patient developed diplopia while driving. The Brain MRI film demonstrated a hemorrhage in the right midbrain and left corona radiata and microbleedings in both cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, basal ganglia, midbrain, pons. We used Korean medicine treatment modalities including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacoacupuncture and herb medicines. As a result, limitation of upward gaze was recovered to about 90% of normal range.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

■ Objectives The purpose of this case study is to report that a tremor patient after Acute Cerebral infarction was treated with 'Dodamhwalhul-tang' and then the symptoms were improved. ■ Methods This patient was 81 years old woman whowas diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction. This patient had hypertension and symptoms of tremor on left lower limb, both side weakness, both lower limb numbness, dizziness and low back pain. She was treated with herb medicines, acupuncture, moxibustion during 22 days of hospitalization. Her tremor was evaluated by the tremor frequency and period and other general conditions were measured. ■ Results After taking Dodamhwalhul-tang, symtoms of tremor and patient's general conditions were improved. ■ Conclusion The result shows that Dodamhwalhul-tang is effective for tremor with acute cerebral infarction.