• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1015-1025
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• 2019

Objectives: There have been many studies reporting the clinical value of Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx, but few systematic studies of the changes that may occur after taking such herbal medication. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the patient group, possible changes in blood test and InBody test results, and to discover the current state and future direction of clinical use of Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx. Methods: This study investigated patients who were hospitalized at Kyung-Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital for at least two days from 1 March 2016 to 1 March 2019, specifically evaluating patients aged 19 and over who underwent blood tests, including an electrolyte test and an InBody test before and after taking Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx. Results: Among a total of 134 patients, 72 patients (53.7%) were treated with Euphorbia kansui Radix and 62 patients (46.3%) were treated with Melonis Calyx, in the context of previously diagnosed abnormal weight gain. Laboratory findings were that Na and K levels were significantly reduced in both groups. In an InBody test, body mass index (BMI), intracellular water, extracellular water, protein, mineral, and skeletal muscle were significantly reduced in both groups. Conclusions: From these results, we suggest that, although Euphorbia kansui Radix and Melonis Calyx may not induce serious adverse effects, attention should be paid to the electrolyte level with the use of these treatments. In terms of syndrome differentiation, more clinical uses will be available in the future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.496-503
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• 2018

Background: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) plays an anti-inflammatory role in a variety of inflammatory diseases such as gastritis, hepatitis, and colitis. However, inflammation-regulatory activity of the calyx of the P. ginseng berry has not been thoroughly evaluated. To understand whether the calyx portion of the P. ginseng berry is able to ameliorate inflammatory processes, an ethanolic extract of P. ginseng berry calyx (Pg-C-EE) was prepared, and lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages and HEK293 cells transfected with inflammation-regulatory proteins were used to test the anti-inflammatory action of Pg-C-EE. Methods: The ginsenoside contents of Pg-C-EE were analyzed by HPLC. Suppressive activity of Pg-C-EE on NO production, inflammatory gene expression, transcriptional activation, and inflammation signaling events were examined using the Griess assay, reverse transcription-polymerization chain reaction, luciferase activity reporter gene assay, and immunoblotting analysis. Results: Pg-C-EE reduced NO production and diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-2, inducible NO synthase, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in a dose-dependent manner. This extract suppressed luciferase activity induced only by nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$. Interestingly, immunoblotting analysis results demonstrated that Pg-C-EE reduced the activities of protein kinase B (AKT)1 and AKT2. Conclusion: These results suggest that Pg-C-EE may have nuclear-factor-${\kappa}B$-targeted anti-inflammatory properties through suppression of AKT. The calyx of the P. ginseng berry is an underused part of the ginseng plant, and development of calyx-derived extracts may be useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.183-198
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• 2012

Objectives : This case series aims to report the efficacy of using oriental medical treatment with Melonis Calyx Vomiting Therapy for Hwa-Byung. Methods : Patients were diagnosed with Hwa-Byung through Hwa-Byung Diagnostic interview schedule (HBDIS). They were treated with Oriental medical treatment (Acupncture, Herb-medication) and Melonis Calyx Vomiting Therapy (MCVT). MCVT is a traditional treatment, which induces vomiting by eating Melonis Calyx powder with water. We used VAS score and Scott scale for the symptoms of patients and IOMEHB (instrument of oriental medical evaluation for Hwa-Byung), BDI, STAI for the psychological conditions of the patients. Results : After treatment, the chief complaint and other symptoms of Hwa-Byung have improved. The scores of IOMEHB, BDI, and STAI have decreased. Conclusions : This result suggests that using MCVT with Oriental medical treatment have a positive efficacy for Hwa-Byung.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.231-238
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using oriental medical treatment(herbal medicine, acupuncture) with melonis Calyx Vomiting Therapy(MCVT) for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods : We experienced one cases of trigeminal neuralgia treated with oriental medical treatment and melonis Calyx Vomiting Therapy. MCVT is a traditional treatment, which induces vomiting by eating melonis Calyx powder with water. To evaluate the results of this treatment, we used the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and sleeping time. Results : After using MCVT with oriental medical treatment, VAS, sleeping time and clinical symptoms of the patient were improved remarkably. Conclusions : This study suggests that using MCVT with oriental medical treatment is effective on trigeminal neuralgia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.189-199
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• 2014

Objective : The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using oriental medical treatment(herb-medicine, acupuncture) with Melonix Calyx Vomiting Therapy for atypical facial pain. Methods : We experienced two cases of atypical facial pain treated with oriental medical treatment(herb-medicine, acupuncture) and Melonix Calyx Vomiting Therapy(MCVT). MCVT is a traditional treatment, which induces vomiting by eating Melonix Calyx powder with water. To evaluate the results of this treatment, we used the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Pain Rating Scale(PRS). Result : After using MCVT with oriental medical treatment, VAS, PRS and clinical symptoms of 2 patients were improved remarkably. Conclusion : This study suggests that using MCVT with oriental medical treatment is effective on atypical facial pain.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.303-310
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• 2020

Four new merohexapenoids named calyxaprenols A-D (1 - 4), together with the known compound haliclotriol A (5), have been isolated from the marine sponge Calyx sp. which was collected from the southwest islands of Palau. Based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, calyxaprenols A (1) and B (2) were determined to be pentacyclic hexaprenoids that are appended to a glycolic acid-substituted phenol moiety, whereas calyxaprenols C (3) and D (4) possess a tricyclic hexaprenoid skeleton joined to a hydroquinone ring. Identification of new merohexaprenoids from a Calyx sponge expands the known taxonomic distribution of this sparsely distributed class of marine metabolites and increases the chemical diversity described for this genus of marine sponge.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.498-506
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• 2015

Objectives This study was conducted to report the safety of vomit-inducing treatment (Tu Fa, 吐法) by Melonis Calyx, particularly with respect to clinical features and liver and kidney functions.Methods Patients treated with Melonis Calyx powder between September 2013 and September 2014 were assessed retrospectively.Results Less than 3 grams of Melonis Calyx powder can induce mild abdominal discomfort and produce no harmful effects on liver and kidney functions.Conclusions Through this study, a vomit-inducing treatment using less than 3 grams of Melonis Calyx can be considered safe enough to be used in clinics, with a cautious approach with respect to dehydration.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.181-189
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• 2021

Objectives : The calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb. has usually been used to treat obstinate hiccup. This study investigated the protective effects of Diospyros kaki using C2C12 myoblasts of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Methods : Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by MTT assay. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured by using optical properties. Results : The calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb. extract showed no toxicity to C2C12 myoblasts until 20 ㎍/mL concentration and increased cell viability compared to the H₂O₂ treated group. The calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb. extract inhibited the production of ROS and MDA at all concentrations. In addition, the calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb. extract increased the concentration of GSH. Conclusion : This study provides that the calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb. can be used as a potential material that exhibit antioxidative and protective effects on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 Myoblasts.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2011

Biological activities of sarcocarp and calyx of persimmon (Cheongdo Bansi) were investigated. The electron donating ability of the calyx extract was 91% at a 500 ${\mu}g/mL$ level, which was higher than that of the sarcocarp extract (40%). The superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of calyx extracts was about 22% at a 1,000 ${\mu}g/mL$ level. During the entire experimental period, there was no cytotoxicity found from sarcocarp and calyx up to 50 ${\mu}g/mL$. Our results indicated that sarcocarp and calyx significantly inhibited NO production and iNOS and COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumer necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ formation in human keratinocyte. These results suggest that sarcocarp and calyx of persimmon may have significant effect on inflammatory factors and can be used as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.220-230
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using oriental medical treatment with Melonix Calyx Vomiting Therapy for Cholinergic urticaria patient. Methods : We experienced one case of Cholinergic urticaria patient treated with oriental medical treatment and Melonix Calyx Vomiting Therapy(MCVT). MCVT is traditional treatment, which induces vomiting by eating Melonix Calyx powder with water. To evaluate the results of this treatment, we measured the decrease of pruritus, number of wheals, redness. Decrease of pruritus, number of wheals was assessed by Urticaria Activity Score(UAS) and quality of life was assessed by Chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire(CU-Q2oL). Results : UAS decreased from 6 to 0, and severity score of redness decreased from 3 to 0. CU-Q2oL score decreased from 78 to 23. Conclusions : This study suggests that using MCVT with oriental medical treatment is effective on Cholinergic urticaria.